Mental Floss

NATURE

A major thunderstorm is about to blow over this vineyard.

Meteorologists convey the chance of cloud cover or rain in percentages, but what those numbers mean in the real world isn’t always clear—so you’ll often hear terms like ‘scattered’ and ‘isolated’ to describe thunderstorms.

Dennis Mersereau

Take a look at the origins of Fat Bear Week, an annual celebration of the brown bears at Alaska’s Katmai National Park and Reserve.

Michele Debczak


Bambi, is that you?

White-tailed deer are the most common deer in the United States. Here are some fascinating deer facts deer.

Mary Beth Skylis






How much do you know about zebras?

Some of these animals are rugged mountaineers, some have spots instead of stripes, and some of them bark like dogs. And if you want to tell the zebra species apart, look at their rumps.

Rosemary Mosco
Doritos.

We’re covering practical tips (like the scent that will alert you to an impending electrical fire) to decidedly stranger ones (how to get out of a kangaroo attack) in the latest episode of The List Show.

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A North American porcupine says hi.

Porcupines might be considered a prickly bunch, but you’ll find they're pretty docile once you get to know them.

Yelena Melnichenko




Raccoons are smart, dextrous, and in your garbage cans.

Whether they’re scaling skyscrapers or digging through your trash, raccoons are fascinating. Discover more about their habits, diet, and intelligence.

Michele Debczak
How could anyone hate this face?

Whether you view squirrels as adorable little creatures or persistent pests bent on chewing everything in sight, there's more to the ubiquitous rodents than meets the eye.

Shaunacy Ferro
A quartet of northern pintail ducks in flight.

Discover fascinating facts about ducks, from their adaptation to cold temperatures to their rude nesting habits.

Yelena Melnichenko








Atmospheric rivers slammed Southern California in February 2024 and caused widespread floods and mudslides.

Explore the role of these weather systems in transporting moisture from the tropics and spreading it worldwide.

Dennis Mersereau
A green sea turtle swims in the waters off Maui.

Did you know that sea turtles can dive up to 3000 feet deep and migrate thousands of miles? Learn more intriguing facts about these incredible creatures.

Melissa Gaskill
A moose in Maine.

Explore some big facts about moose, from their antler combat to the mystery behind their declining populations.

Rebecca OConnell