nature

Here‘s a scenic view of the Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch glacier in Switzerland.

These underrated World Heritage Sites offer history, beauty, and adventure away from the crowds.

Crouching isn’t going to do a whole lot for you in a thunderstorm.

Guidance on kneeling when lightning strikes is well-intentioned, but it’s actually not the best course of action.

They‘re cute but also unlikely to survive in the wilderness.

A miniature dachshund named Valerie has defied the odds, evading capture and surviving in the wild for over a year.

Scientists have captured little chirps from rig sharks (also known as ‘lemon fish‘ and ‘spotted dogfish,‘ according to the NIWA).

For the first time, researchers have documented a shark producing sound.

Yellowstone‘s Castle Geyser is doing its thing.

A newly discovered vent at Yellowstone National Park has caught the attention of researchers and tourists.

One Maine lobster fisherman goes the extra mile by taking care of the protected crustaceans he catches before returning them to the water.

A Maori octopus was spotted clinging to a shortfin mako shark, leaving scientists puzzled.

A new device might make it easier for you to have a green thumb.

Researchers have created a sensor that monitors plant stress, which could one day be a game-changer for anyone with a black thumb.

Use this map to plan your birding schedule ahead of the spring migration.

Classic Disney characters have lent their names to spiders, dinos, and more.

A backpacker enjoys the view in Chugach State Park near Anchorage, Alaska.

From Chesapeake, Virginia, to Anchorage, Alaska, these cities offer plenty of parkland.

Wondering when the first day of spring is in 2025? Here’s everything you need to know about the vernal equinox.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park tops the list.

Which U.S. national parks saw the most visitors in 2024? Super-popular spots included Yosemite, Acadia, and Glacier National Park.

As beautiful as it is, the Grand Canyon has seen many deaths.

Find out which national parks have recorded the most fatal incidents in recent years.

These penguins are going to be living their best lives.

The New England Aquarium’s retirement area for penguins offers specialized healthcare and a peaceful habitat for elderly birds.

These majestic creatures keep the ocean under control in many ways.

A new study reveals that baleen whales, including humpbacks and gray whales, enrich oceans when they take a whizz.

The gray wolf is an endangered species in most of the U.S.

Where does your state rank when it comes to wildlife conservation?

'Psylla frodobagginsi' (left) and Elijah Wood as Frodo Baggins in 'The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring' (2001).

These creatures don't live in Middle-earth—but they sound like they could.

A map of the 63 National Parks in the U.S.

From Acadia to Zion, the U.S. has some pretty majestic national parks. Here’s one fun fact about every single one—plus a map so you can see where they all are.

The Chimborazo hillstar is native to the Andes of Ecuador and southern Colombia.

An ornithologist discovered a hummingbird “hive” in Ecuador‘s High Andes—a major departure for the solitary animals.

Misconception No. 4 : It snows a lot.

Many alligators were found in Alachua County‘s sewage system.

Alligators living in the sewers isn’t just an urban legend.

Robert Kennicott, pictured against Alaska’s Kennicott Glacier, was a key figure in the Smithsonian’s formative years.

In 1866, Kennicott was found dead near the Yukon River. It would be 150 years before anyone knew why.

Mantis shrimp can deal incredible blows without damaging themselves, but how? The makeup of their armor is key.

The 10 Most Underrated UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Europe

Why Crouching During a Lightning Storm Is Probably a Bad Idea

Dachshund Refuses to Come Home After Surviving on a Wild Island for Over a Year

Listen to a Shark ‘Chirp’ in First-of-Its-Kind Audio Recording

Yellowstone’s New Thermal Vent May Be Easy to Spot This Summer

Maine Fisherman Pampers the Protected Lobsters He Catches With Claw Manicures

Brave Octopus Filmed Hitchhiking on a 10-Foot Shark

New Device Could Allow Your Houseplants to Communicate When They’re Stressed

The Best States for Birdwatching, Mapped

5 Fascinating Animals Named After Disney Characters

The 10 U.S. Cities With the Most Green Space

5 Fast Facts About the Spring Equinox

The 10 Most Popular National Parks of 2024

The 10 Deadliest National Park Properties in the U.S.

Older Penguins Moved to the New England Aquarium’s New ‘Retirement Island’

Whale Pee Is Good for the Ocean, Study Finds

The 10 Best States for Wildlife Protection

10 Cool Animals Named After Lord of the Rings Characters

1 Fact About All 63 U.S. National Parks

Hummingbirds Found Nesting Together in Groups in Surprising First

5 Misconceptions About Antarctica

At Least One Florida Sewage System Is Swimming With Alligators, Study Shows

Death of a Scientist: The Mysterious Demise of Smithsonian Pioneer Robert Kennicott

Mantis Shrimp Remain Unharmed While Dealing Deadly Punches, Study Shows