nature

First live sighting of massive Antarctic squid caught on camera by Nat Geo

Scientists captured the elusive Antarctic gonate squid on camera for the first time during a National Geographic expedition.

Tourists are damaging the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland.

Visitors stuffing coins into Northern Ireland’s famed basalt columns are unintentionally damaging this natural wonder and costing the country thousands.

Wildlife tunnels save lives: One study found that amphibian roadkill dropped by 80 percent thanks to the structures.

C. elegans nematodes in their squiggly, non-towering mode.

The microscopic worms are one of only a few species known to assemble into “superorganisms” that act and move collectively.

From Yellowstone‘s Calcite Springs and Hawaii‘s Kilauea, these are the best places to be at dusk.

Rare noctilucent clouds are showing up in places they never used to, and scientists are trying to find out why.

The biggest revenue generators in the NPS.

For some local economies, national parks can be cash machines.

From the long legs of the jerboa to basically everything about the duck-billed platypus, evolution has taken some weird turns.

Clearwater, Florida‘s views put it at the top of the list.

From Clearwater, Florida, to Davis, California, these U.S. cities offer beautiful drives that make commuting a lot more bearable.

This Carnarvon flapjack octopus is tiny, but it can withstand intense pressure thousands of feet underwater.

The Carnarvon flapjack octopus flattens its body like a pancake and uses its Dumbo-like fins to swim.

This insect was found for the first time since 1980.

A rare grasshopper once believed to be extinct has been spotted for the first time since 1980—but habitat loss may threaten its future.

An aerial view of the Great Barrier Reef near Queensland, Australia.

Australia’s biggest natural wonder is a huge draw for tourists and fish alike. Here’s everything you need to know about the world’s most famous reef.

Hiking can be a refreshing change of pace from a busy lifestyle.

Consider avoiding these trails if you like to hike but hate the crowds.

People now have the privilege of seeing Uluru and Kata Tjuta after the sun goes down.

The new overnight guided tour through Uluru-Kata Tjuta is filled with nature, history, and culture.

These adorable guys look like they wouldn‘t steal babies.

Researchers have discovered a weird, new behavior among capuchin monkeys, and it involves kidnapping howler monkey infants.

Both the Arctic and Antarctica are cold and icy, but that’s basically where the similarities end.

Not everyone gets to enjoy a view like this.

The Jackson Hole Airport is Dark Sky certified as well, making it the first airport to earn the recognition.

A male greater sage-grouse performing his mating display.

Greater sage-grouse are at risk near Jackson Hole Airport—but handmade decoys are guiding them to safer ground.

This puny creature packs a powerful sting.

Asian needle ants may look small, but their stings are no joke.

From carrying their young for years to feeding their babies poop, some animal moms just go above and beyond.

The stingray it on the left, and the skate is to the right.

Skates lay black, ravioli-shaped egg cases. Rays give birth to live pups.

Utah is a hotspot for some amazing hikes.

Axolotls are cute and important to the environment.

Scientists in Mexico have found that axolotls bred in captivity can survive and thrive in their native habitat—which is great news for the species.

Who would have thought a woodpecker could be so destructive.

A territorial woodpecker has broken dozens of car mirrors in a bizarre springtime rampage.

The Rare Antarctic Gonate Squid Has Been Caught on Film for the First Time

Ireland Begs Tourists to Stop Wedging Coins Into the Giant’s Causeway

Wildlife Tunnels in Vermont Cut Amphibian Deaths By 80 Percent, Study Finds

Nematodes Form “Living Towers of Worms” to Move as One

The 20 Best Spots to Watch the Sunset in the U.S.

NASA Wants Your Help Documenting Rare ‘Space Clouds’

The National Parks Where Visitors Spend the Most Money, Mapped

6 Strange Animal Evolutions

The 10 U.S. Cities With the Prettiest Commutes

New Flapjack Octopus Species With ‘Dumbo’ Fins Discovered Off Australia

‘Extinct’ Monte Gordo Grasshopper Spotted on African Island for First Time in 45 Years

15 Big Facts About the Great Barrier Reef

The 5 Busiest Hiking Trails in the U.S

Travelers Can Spend the Night Near Uluru in Australia for the First Time Ever

Capuchins Are ‘Kidnapping’ Baby Monkeys of Different Species, And Scientists Are Baffled

5 Misconceptions About the Arctic

Wyoming Is Home to the World’s First Dark Sky Certified County

How Grand Teton National Park Is Using Papier-Mâché Birds to Protect the Greater Sage-Grouse

What to Know About the Invasive Asian Needle Ants Spreading Across the U.S.

11 Awesome Animal Kingdom Moms

Skates vs. Rays: What‘s the Difference?

The 10 Best Hiking Trails in the U.S.

Captive-Bred Axolotls Can Survive in the Wild, Sparking Hope for the Endangered Species

Locals Shield Their Cars From Vandal Woodpecker in Rockport, Massachusetts