Animals

YouTube's 1st Video Clip Has Been Downloaded Millions Of Times

8:27am April 24, 2020

The 18 second clip was of YouTube co-founder Jawed Karim standing in front of some elephants. That humble video, uploaded 15 years ago this week, has now been viewed over 90 million times.

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Researchers In India Name Snake After 'Harry Potter' Character

7:13am April 22, 2020

They named a new species of green pit viper after Salazar Slytherin, co-founder of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. In Harry Potter books, he was known for his ability to talk to snakes.

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Sweet Farm animal sanctuary in Half Moon Bay, Calif., is offering Goat 2 Meeting: a virtual visit to meet the farm's animals. Pictured is Juno the goat.

National

Goat 2 Meeting: For Your Next Video Call, Invite A Farm Animal

3:48pm April 20, 2020

The Sweet Farm animal sanctuary near San Francisco is offering up a new service to liven up video calls: guest appearances by llamas, cows and other animals through its new service, Goat 2 Meeting.

David Sibley's new book, What It's Like To Be a Bird, features illustrations paired with essays about what birds are up to, and why. Here is a Belted Kingfisher.

Ever Wonder 'What It's Like To Be A Bird'? David Allen Sibley Has Some Answers

6:01am April 19, 2020

by Barbara J. King

David Allen Sibley's name is synonymous with his bird field guides. In researching this volume, he became convinced of something new: Birds make complex decisions and experience emotions.

Cats who roam outdoors tend to stick close to home, having a big impact on local wildlife.

Science

The Killer At Home: House Cats Have More Impact On Local Wildlife Than Wild Predators

7:00am April 18, 2020

by Lauren Sommer

They may look cute and fluffy, and they don't go far, but cats are deadly stalkers who rule concentrated areas of their neighborhoods.

A Humboldt squid shows its colors in the lights of a remotely operated vehicle off the coast of California.

Science

Deep Sea Squid Communicate by Glowing Like E-Readers

5:00am April 17, 2020

by Lauren Sommer

By making their bodies glow, Humboldt squid illuminate the changing patterns on their bodies to communicate in the depths of the Pacific Ocean.

People wearing protective face masks shop at a chicken stall at a wet market in Shanghai on Feb. 13.

Calls Grow To Ban Wet Markets Amid Concerns Over Disease Spread

8:39pm April 16, 2020

by Jackie Northam

A growing number of advocacy groups, politicians and officials are calling to ban wet markets worldwide, given concerns about the spread of disease. But enforcing such a ban would be a challenge.

Italian Police Move Quickly Against Woman 'Walking' A Turtle

5:58am April 16, 2020

Italy's lockdown means you need a "justifiable excuse" to go outside. A woman in Rome was caught outside with her pet turtle. Police say the turtle was about the size of a pizza and wasn't on a leash.

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Questions About Coronavirus From Pet Owners — And Potential Pet Owners

12:31pm April 15, 2020

With much of the population staying at home, humane societies have reported high interest in adopting or fostering pets. Veterinarian Krista Miller answers questions about pets and the coronavirus.

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Becoming Wild: How Animal Cultures Raise Families, Create Beauty, and Achieve Peace, Carl Safina

Books
Arts

In 'Becoming Wild,' Carl Safina Takes Us Inside The Cultures Of Animals

4:59am April 15, 2020

by Barbara J. King

Combining the knowledge of a seasoned scientist and the skills of a good storyteller, the ecologist-author invites us to leave our cultural worlds and enter some animal ones to see just how they work.