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Composite image of two close-up photographs of Kanzi the bonobo
Kanzi the bonobo could play pretend — a trait thought unique to humans Past anecdotal observations have hinted that great apes play pretend. But now, experimental research shows that our closest living relatives can keep track of imaginary objects.
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Two photographs side-by-side. (Left) A Yellowstone wolf stands staring at the camera on a snowed upon ground, (Right) a cougar stares at the camera while up high in a tree canopy.
'System in flux': Scientists reveal what happened when wolves and cougars returned to Yellowstone Large carnivores are both clashing and coexisting in the western United States. Although wolves dominate cougars and steal their prey, cougars' shift from elk- to deer-heavy diets, paired with a rugged landscape for escape, might help cougars avoid violent wolf encounters.
A male sika deer carries the severed head of a rival male on his antlers.
A deer carrying the rotting head of its vanquished foe and a playful lynx shortlisted for Wildlife Photographer of the Year Nuveen People's Choice Award Here are the 24 images shortlisted for the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Nuveen People's Choice Award 2026.
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Latest about Animals

Coyote scrambles onto Alcatraz Island after perilous, never-before-seen swim

By Patrick Pester published

Experts have reacted to a viral video of a coyote swimming to Alcatraz Island in what is a surprising first for the San Francisco Bay Area.

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Land Mammals
Veronika using brush end to self scratch.

Ever watched a pet cow pick up a broom and scratch herself with it? You have now

By Chris Simms published

A pet cow in Austria started using a broom to scratch herself — the first ever documented case of bovine tool use.

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Land Mammals
One of the mummified cheetahs as it was found in situ in a cave in northern Saudi Arabia.

Ancient mummified cheetahs discovered in Saudi Arabia contain preserved DNA from the long-lost population

By Sarah Wild published

Cheetahs vanished from Saudi Arabia half a century ago. Now long-dead mummified big cats may help herald their return.

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Cats

Rare nocturnal parrots in New Zealand are breeding for the first time in 4 years — here's why

By Skyler Ware published

The 2026 breeding season for endangered kākāpō could produce the most chicks in decades.

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Birds

Woolly rhino flesh pulled from ancient wolf stomach gives clues to ice age giant's extinction

By Kristina Killgrove published

More than 14,000 years ago, a wolf pup ate a piece of woolly rhino. Scientists have analyzed the rhino's DNA to figure out why it went extinct.

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Land Mammals

How to watch 'Pole to Pole with Will Smith' — TV and streaming details as Oscar-winning actor blends adventure and scientific discovery

By Patrick Fletcher published

The actor embarks on a "thrilling adventure" across seven expeditions — here's how to watch "Pole to Pole with Will Smith" online from anywhere.

Animals
A person holding a northern green anaconda by the head.

Never-before-seen footage captures moment scientists find new, giant anaconda species in Amazon

By Sascha Pare published

Scientists recently discovered a new species of green anaconda in the Amazon rainforest. A new Nat Geo series shows the moment they encountered this snake in the wild.

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Snakes
Tyrannosaurus and velociraptor walking through the forest. This Dinosaur lived in the late Cretaceous period. This is a 3d render illustration.

T. rex quiz: How much do you really know about the king of the dinosaurs?

By Chris Simms published

Almost everyone has heard of Tyrannosaurus rex, but how much do you actually know about this iconic dinosaur predator? Take our quiz to find out.

Dinosaurs
A very nice wild red and white maine coon cat sitting on the pine tree in the winter snowy forest.

Did any cat breeds develop naturally?

By Katherine Irving published

Humans have undoubtedly bred cats to create certain breeds, but did any of these feline breeds emerge naturally?

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Cats

Giant 'cow of the Cretaceous' discovered almost 100 years ago identified as new duck-billed dinosaur

By Skyler Ware published

The dino lived during the Late Cretaceous alongside other hadrosaurids in present-day New Mexico.

Dinosaurs
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