https://www.smithsonianmag.com/rss/tag/animals/RSS feed for AnimalsenTue, 26 May 2026 14:00:00 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/the-mere-presence-of-humans-not-just-our-changes-to-the-land-can-alter-wild-animals-behaviors-a-new-study-suggests-180988793/Researchers examined GPS tracking data from thousands of animals representing 37 species and anonymized cellphone location data from 2020, a year of Covid-19 lockdowns, and the previous yearTue, 26 May 2026 14:00:00 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/the-mere-presence-of-humans-not-just-our-changes-to-the-land-can-alter-wild-animals-behaviors-a-new-study-suggests-180988793/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/belugas-can-recognize-themselves-in-mirrors-joining-a-short-list-of-non-human-species-that-show-signs-of-self-awareness-180988783/The researchers hope that this new understanding of cognition in the toothed whales will increase human empathy and concern for the animals, leading to more efforts to protect themFri, 22 May 2026 14:00:00 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/belugas-can-recognize-themselves-in-mirrors-joining-a-short-list-of-non-human-species-that-show-signs-of-self-awareness-180988783/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/whalers-didnt-just-sing-sea-shanties-and-seek-adventure-proof-of-laborers-grueling-work-is-in-their-skeletons-buried-in-the-arctic-180988787/Remains buried on Svalbard show the brutal toll whaling took on men in the 17th and 18th centuries. Climate change threatens these kinds of archaeological sites across the ArcticThu, 21 May 2026 21:36:45 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/whalers-didnt-just-sing-sea-shanties-and-seek-adventure-proof-of-laborers-grueling-work-is-in-their-skeletons-buried-in-the-arctic-180988787/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/mediterranean-monk-seals-hide-in-underwater-bubble-caves-to-avoid-tourists-during-the-busy-summer-season-a-study-suggests-180988775/Researchers caught the rare pinnipeds resting and sleeping in a secluded chamber on the Greek islet of Formicula. The findings suggest that these small caves should be included in efforts to protect the animals' habitatThu, 21 May 2026 14:40:02 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/mediterranean-monk-seals-hide-in-underwater-bubble-caves-to-avoid-tourists-during-the-busy-summer-season-a-study-suggests-180988775/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/gentoo-penguins-may-actually-be-four-different-species-scientists-say-revealing-theyre-not-quite-winners-of-climate-change-after-all-180988769/A new study indicates that the adaptable birds evolved into distinct lineages as isolated populations shifted to match their environmental conditions over time. The work has implications for how conservationists assess threats to gentoosWed, 20 May 2026 19:09:30 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/gentoo-penguins-may-actually-be-four-different-species-scientists-say-revealing-theyre-not-quite-winners-of-climate-change-after-all-180988769/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/when-did-crabs-evolve-their-iconic-sideways-scuttle-scientist-traced-it-to-a-200-million-year-old-common-ancestor-180988765/The findings suggest that their famous lateral movement evolved just once. It may have helped the animals rapidly spread and diversify because moving in two directions meant they could easily escape predatorsWed, 20 May 2026 15:57:11 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/when-did-crabs-evolve-their-iconic-sideways-scuttle-scientist-traced-it-to-a-200-million-year-old-common-ancestor-180988765/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/likely-kicked-by-a-kangaroo-this-dingo-healed-a-millennium-ago-thanks-to-help-from-an-aboriginal-community-that-continued-to-honor-it-for-500-years-180988768/New research shows that the ancestors of the Barkindji people in Australia ritually added river mussel shells to a burial site for centuries after the dingo died, suggesting they cared for it deeplyTue, 19 May 2026 21:06:11 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/likely-kicked-by-a-kangaroo-this-dingo-healed-a-millennium-ago-thanks-to-help-from-an-aboriginal-community-that-continued-to-honor-it-for-500-years-180988768/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/de-extinction-company-says-it-hatched-chicks-from-artificial-eggs-paving-the-way-for-resurrecting-dodos-and-other-bygone-birds-180988766/Colossal Biosciences announced that 26 live baby chickens have emerged from 3D-printed honeycomb structures. But the company does not plan to detail the system in a paper, and its mission has faced criticismTue, 19 May 2026 20:09:04 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/de-extinction-company-says-it-hatched-chicks-from-artificial-eggs-paving-the-way-for-resurrecting-dodos-and-other-bygone-birds-180988766/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/millions-of-bright-blue-blobs-called-by-the-wind-sailors-are-littering-beaches-along-the-west-coast-180988759/The strange creatures are washing up on shores across California, Oregon and Washington this spring—and making the coast smell especially fishyTue, 19 May 2026 16:00:00 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/millions-of-bright-blue-blobs-called-by-the-wind-sailors-are-littering-beaches-along-the-west-coast-180988759/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/dimpled-koala-fossil-found-western-australia-revealed-why-previously-unknown-species-died-out-180988719/The new study found that they lost their arboreal habitat due to a drying climate, a dire warning for the modern-day marsupials that face a similar threatMon, 18 May 2026 18:17:09 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/dimpled-koala-fossil-found-western-australia-revealed-why-previously-unknown-species-died-out-180988719/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/can-insects-feel-pain-new-research-suggests-that-crickets-do-180988752/Used for food, feed and research, the critters are among the most widely farmed bugs. The study authors say humans should work to reduce harm in insect farming, handling and experimentationMon, 18 May 2026 16:00:00 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/can-insects-feel-pain-new-research-suggests-that-crickets-do-180988752/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/humpback-whales-sometimes-hold-their-mouths-open-for-no-clear-reason-tourists-are-helping-scientists-understand-the-rare-behavior-180988743/A trove of photos and videos gathered from social media has helped researchers propose a few possible reasons for the seldom documented action, called "gaping," including communication, jaw stretching and playMon, 18 May 2026 14:00:00 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/humpback-whales-sometimes-hold-their-mouths-open-for-no-clear-reason-tourists-are-helping-scientists-understand-the-rare-behavior-180988743/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/new-rare-dove-hatchlings-are-a-source-of-hope-for-the-extinct-in-the-wild-birds-and-a-step-forward-in-the-ambitious-project-to-save-them-180988730/The Socorro dove has not been recorded in the wild since 1972, but that could change within only a few years, conservationists say, thanks to a long-term reintroduction effortFri, 15 May 2026 15:07:38 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/new-rare-dove-hatchlings-are-a-source-of-hope-for-the-extinct-in-the-wild-birds-and-a-step-forward-in-the-ambitious-project-to-save-them-180988730/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/this-fish-hitches-rides-in-manta-rays-buttholes-according-to-new-research-180988736/Scientists suspect that the behavior could harm the manta rays, suggesting a complex relationship between remoras and their hosts that can sometimes be parasiticThu, 14 May 2026 19:56:00 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/this-fish-hitches-rides-in-manta-rays-buttholes-according-to-new-research-180988736/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/see-17-intricate-microscope-photographs-that-make-the-miniature-world-immense-they-won-the-evident-image-of-the-year-contest-180988722/The sixth annual competition showcases scientific microscopic imaging, illuminating tiny parts of nature, from individual cells to arthropods, diatoms and a zebrafish brainWed, 13 May 2026 18:45:07 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/see-17-intricate-microscope-photographs-that-make-the-miniature-world-immense-they-won-the-evident-image-of-the-year-contest-180988722/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/wolves-are-thriving-at-michigans-isle-royale-national-park-reaching-their-highest-numbers-in-almost-50-years-new-data-suggests-180988727/Scientists estimate that 37 of the animals now roam the rugged archipelago, which has contributed to the dwindling moose population. But the predator-prey ratio might be stabilizingWed, 13 May 2026 14:00:00 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/wolves-are-thriving-at-michigans-isle-royale-national-park-reaching-their-highest-numbers-in-almost-50-years-new-data-suggests-180988727/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/these-singing-mice-squeak-back-and-forth-and-dont-interrupt-scientists-found-the-brain-pathway-behind-their-impressive-songs-180988720/Alston’s singing mice carry out complex vocalizations and even appear to converse politely with one another. The neural circuitry that makes this possible is simpler than researchers expectedMon, 11 May 2026 20:44:33 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/these-singing-mice-squeak-back-and-forth-and-dont-interrupt-scientists-found-the-brain-pathway-behind-their-impressive-songs-180988720/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/see-15-stunning-images-that-won-the-german-society-for-nature-photographys-annual-contest-180988711/From a lunging frog to the majestic movements of penguins, the honored photographs capture the wonder of wildlife and beauty of natural landscapesMon, 11 May 2026 14:42:35 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/see-15-stunning-images-that-won-the-german-society-for-nature-photographys-annual-contest-180988711/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/wild-cockatoos-learn-which-snacks-are-safe-to-eat-by-copying-their-friends-new-research-suggests-180988696/Munching on the wrong items can lead to illness, but social learning might help the birds avoid making a potentially deadly mistake. The phenomenon could help explain why certain cockatoos have fared so well in urban environmentsFri, 08 May 2026 15:44:52 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/wild-cockatoos-learn-which-snacks-are-safe-to-eat-by-copying-their-friends-new-research-suggests-180988696/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/david-attenborough-has-inspired-countless-scientists-to-mark-his-100th-birthday-here-are-ten-living-things-theyve-named-after-him-180988693/Researchers around the planet grew up watching documentaries hosted by the English broadcaster and naturalist, which sparked their love of the natural world. Now, their discoveries become tributes to his legacyThu, 07 May 2026 20:07:28 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/david-attenborough-has-inspired-countless-scientists-to-mark-his-100th-birthday-here-are-ten-living-things-theyve-named-after-him-180988693/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/chonkers-the-massive-sea-lion-drew-crowds-to-san-franciscos-famed-pier-39-then-a-new-chunky-showstopper-stole-his-identity-180988691/The Steller sea lion was an unusual visitor to the pier, which typically hosts smaller California sea lions. However, he may have moved on days ago, during which time a humongous member of the area's more common species tricked onlookersThu, 07 May 2026 16:19:46 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/chonkers-the-massive-sea-lion-drew-crowds-to-san-franciscos-famed-pier-39-then-a-new-chunky-showstopper-stole-his-identity-180988691/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/urban-birds-seem-to-be-more-fearful-of-women-than-men-and-scientists-dont-know-why-180988688/The study examined 37 bird species in cities across five European countries. The animals allowed men to get about three feet closer than women, on average, before flying awayThu, 07 May 2026 14:00:00 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/urban-birds-seem-to-be-more-fearful-of-women-than-men-and-scientists-dont-know-why-180988688/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian-institution/the-bison-is-americas-national-mammal-heres-how-indigenous-tribes-and-conservationists-aided-its-return-to-the-prairie-lands-after-near-extinction-180988683/The past, present and future of the giant bovine are front and center in a new exhibition as the country approaches its 250th birthdayWed, 06 May 2026 15:02:30 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian-institution/the-bison-is-americas-national-mammal-heres-how-indigenous-tribes-and-conservationists-aided-its-return-to-the-prairie-lands-after-near-extinction-180988683/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/timmy-the-whale-was-released-into-the-sea-after-being-stranded-off-the-german-coast-for-weeks-was-that-the-right-call-180988679/The humpback whale first entered shallow water at the end of March, but its health deteriorated over the past few weeks. Experts have criticized efforts to rescue the animal, which may have done more harm than goodWed, 06 May 2026 13:13:56 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/timmy-the-whale-was-released-into-the-sea-after-being-stranded-off-the-german-coast-for-weeks-was-that-the-right-call-180988679/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/nearly-half-of-italys-wolves-are-part-dog-now-thanks-to-hybridization-is-that-a-threat-to-the-species-180988682/Wolf-dog hybrids are growing far more common in Italy, raising scientists’ concerns for the future of the wolvesWed, 06 May 2026 11:30:00 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/nearly-half-of-italys-wolves-are-part-dog-now-thanks-to-hybridization-is-that-a-threat-to-the-species-180988682/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/a-deadly-outbreak-of-hantavirus-has-stranded-a-cruise-ship-in-the-atlantic-ocean-heres-what-to-know-about-the-rare-contagion-180988680/Three people associated with the vessel have died, and health officials have identified a total of two confirmed cases and five suspected cases of the infection. The virus usually spreads via contaminated rodent droppingsTue, 05 May 2026 21:08:42 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/a-deadly-outbreak-of-hantavirus-has-stranded-a-cruise-ship-in-the-atlantic-ocean-heres-what-to-know-about-the-rare-contagion-180988680/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/why-do-cows-burp-up-so-much-planet-warming-methane-a-newly-discovered-structure-in-their-gut-microbes-could-be-a-culprit-180988664/The "hydrogenobody" is an organelle inside certain microorganisms that live in a special stomach chamber in cattle, sheep and goats, according to a new studyMon, 04 May 2026 16:02:09 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/why-do-cows-burp-up-so-much-planet-warming-methane-a-newly-discovered-structure-in-their-gut-microbes-could-be-a-culprit-180988664/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/scientists-create-the-first-detailed-smell-map-of-odor-sensors-in-the-mouse-nose-and-sniff-out-some-surprises-180988639/In two new studies, researchers used genetic techniques to upend a longstanding assumption that nerve cells with scent detectors were randomly arranged. They don’t know whether the same spatial organization is found in human nosesWed, 29 Apr 2026 20:59:40 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/scientists-create-the-first-detailed-smell-map-of-odor-sensors-in-the-mouse-nose-and-sniff-out-some-surprises-180988639/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/a-snorkeling-biologist-snapped-the-first-ever-photos-of-newly-hatched-california-giant-salamanders-in-the-wild-heres-why-thats-a-big-deal-180988619/The discovery provides another key data point about a little-known species for which every observation mattersWed, 29 Apr 2026 17:16:41 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/a-snorkeling-biologist-snapped-the-first-ever-photos-of-newly-hatched-california-giant-salamanders-in-the-wild-heres-why-thats-a-big-deal-180988619/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/watch-the-first-known-video-of-a-sumatran-orangutan-crossing-a-human-made-wildlife-bridge-in-the-treetops-180988637/A public road in Indonesia separates forests housing about 350 wild orangutans, among other animals. So, conservationists built several canopy bridges to prevent habitat fragmentationWed, 29 Apr 2026 14:00:00 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/watch-the-first-known-video-of-a-sumatran-orangutan-crossing-a-human-made-wildlife-bridge-in-the-treetops-180988637/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian-institution/scorpions-are-so-metal-literally-new-images-reveal-patterns-in-how-their-weaponry-is-fortified-with-iron-zinc-and-manganese-180988633/Scientists knew the stingers and pincers of these arachnids generally contained metals, but a new Smithsonian-led study maps out how these components are distributedTue, 28 Apr 2026 23:05:00 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian-institution/scorpions-are-so-metal-literally-new-images-reveal-patterns-in-how-their-weaponry-is-fortified-with-iron-zinc-and-manganese-180988633/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/scientists-found-this-mysterious-golden-orb-on-the-seafloor-nearly-three-years-ago-now-they-finally-know-what-it-is-180988624/After a long, winding road of tests, researchers at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History and other institutions determined that the strange blob once attached a large sea anemone to a rockTue, 28 Apr 2026 14:00:00 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/scientists-found-this-mysterious-golden-orb-on-the-seafloor-nearly-three-years-ago-now-they-finally-know-what-it-is-180988624/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/see-the-1-in-50-million-split-color-lobster-caught-off-the-coast-of-massachusetts-its-carrying-two-sets-of-genetic-information-180988615/The unusual-looking crustacean is two-toned, with a line dividing its body into an orange side and a brown side. This can happen when two fertilized, unlaid lobster eggs touch—causing one to absorb the otherMon, 27 Apr 2026 14:00:00 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/see-the-1-in-50-million-split-color-lobster-caught-off-the-coast-of-massachusetts-its-carrying-two-sets-of-genetic-information-180988615/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/butterflies-are-in-dramatic-decline-across-north-america-a-close-look-at-the-western-monarch-shows-why-180988582/Pesticides, habitat loss and climate change have taken their toll on the beloved insects. But the experts working with them still find hope for their futureFri, 24 Apr 2026 15:42:27 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/butterflies-are-in-dramatic-decline-across-north-america-a-close-look-at-the-western-monarch-shows-why-180988582/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/beavers-are-ecosystem-engineers-and-they-might-be-helpful-allies-in-the-fight-against-human-caused-climate-change-180988609/New research suggests that wetlands created by the industrious rodents are carbon sinks, meaning they store a lot of heat-trapping carbon dioxide—the human-produced gas largely responsible for today's global warmingFri, 24 Apr 2026 14:36:06 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/beavers-are-ecosystem-engineers-and-they-might-be-helpful-allies-in-the-fight-against-human-caused-climate-change-180988609/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/gibraltars-famous-monkeys-are-eating-dirt-likely-to-alleviate-stomach-aches-from-munching-on-tourists-junk-food-180988606/The British territory's Barbary macaques are the only wild monkeys in Europe. But many are consuming human snacks high in calories, sugar, salt and dairy, and low in fiberThu, 23 Apr 2026 19:51:11 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/gibraltars-famous-monkeys-are-eating-dirt-likely-to-alleviate-stomach-aches-from-munching-on-tourists-junk-food-180988606/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/a-rare-cloud-jaguar-was-spotted-in-honduran-mountains-for-the-first-time-in-a-decade-representing-a-win-for-conservationists-180988595/The big cats are rarely seen at high elevations, so the sighting suggests that efforts to protect a wildlife corridor in the region are workingThu, 23 Apr 2026 15:37:16 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/a-rare-cloud-jaguar-was-spotted-in-honduran-mountains-for-the-first-time-in-a-decade-representing-a-win-for-conservationists-180988595/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/cocaine-pollution-seems-to-make-salmon-swim-faster-and-farther-than-usual-scientists-dont-know-the-long-term-consequences-180988600/The illegal drug’s main byproduct, benzoylecgonine, caused more robust effects than cocaine itself. Wastewater treatment plants often don't fully process such metabolites, so they are frequently found in bodies of water at higher concentrations than their parent drugsThu, 23 Apr 2026 14:00:00 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/cocaine-pollution-seems-to-make-salmon-swim-faster-and-farther-than-usual-scientists-dont-know-the-long-term-consequences-180988600/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/camera-traps-reveal-iberian-lynxes-soaking-their-prey-a-first-ever-discovery-among-carnivores-180988591/Scientists speculate that the wild cats are trying to improve hydration or ease their cubs’ transition to solid food. The finding points to resilience in one of the world’s most endangered felinesThu, 23 Apr 2026 13:00:38 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/camera-traps-reveal-iberian-lynxes-soaking-their-prey-a-first-ever-discovery-among-carnivores-180988591/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/disabled-parrot-in-new-zealand-became-alpha-male-thanks-to-his-innovative-fighting-style-180988587/A kea parrot's half-beak became an advantage instead of a disadvantage, researchers suggest in a new studyTue, 21 Apr 2026 18:46:46 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/disabled-parrot-in-new-zealand-became-alpha-male-thanks-to-his-innovative-fighting-style-180988587/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/naked-mole-rats-usually-duke-it-out-to-decide-who-becomes-a-colonys-next-queen-but-these-unusual-creatures-are-also-capable-of-peaceful-transitions-new-research-suggests-180988589/In a laboratory experiment centered around a colony known as the Amigos, researchers observed a subordinate female take over reproduction without incidentTue, 21 Apr 2026 18:37:49 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/naked-mole-rats-usually-duke-it-out-to-decide-who-becomes-a-colonys-next-queen-but-these-unusual-creatures-are-also-capable-of-peaceful-transitions-new-research-suggests-180988589/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/anglerfish-are-known-for-their-built-in-fishing-rods-new-research-sheds-light-on-how-these-lures-evolved-in-the-strange-creatures-180988577/A new study suggests the odd appendages first appeared in the fish's ancestors around 72 million years ago. Today, females might use them not only to attract prey but also to communicate with potential matesMon, 20 Apr 2026 21:41:41 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/anglerfish-are-known-for-their-built-in-fishing-rods-new-research-sheds-light-on-how-these-lures-evolved-in-the-strange-creatures-180988577/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/scientists-found-5-6-million-burrowing-bees-beneath-a-cemetery-in-new-york-the-group-is-one-of-the-largest-on-record-180988573/Researchers in Ithaca estimated the number of ground-nesting bees emerging from a local cemetery in spring 2023, revealing just how abundant some understudied pollinators areMon, 20 Apr 2026 19:12:39 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/scientists-found-5-6-million-burrowing-bees-beneath-a-cemetery-in-new-york-the-group-is-one-of-the-largest-on-record-180988573/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/this-medieval-castle-sits-atop-a-prehistoric-time-capsule-new-excavations-could-reveal-the-history-of-neanderthals-in-britain-180988562/In a cave tucked beneath the Welsh landmark, archaeologists have found evidence of human and animal visits over the past 120,000 years. Now, they're starting a five-year excavation projectMon, 20 Apr 2026 14:00:00 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/this-medieval-castle-sits-atop-a-prehistoric-time-capsule-new-excavations-could-reveal-the-history-of-neanderthals-in-britain-180988562/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/a-bountiful-berry-harvest-put-these-chunky-endangered-parrots-in-the-mood-now-scientists-are-celebrating-a-breeding-bonanza-180988510/New Zealand's kakapo have laid 256 eggs, and around 100 of them have hatched, providing a bright spot in a decades-long conservation effort. The official chick count won't be confirmed until the youngest birds are about 5 months oldFri, 17 Apr 2026 14:00:00 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/a-bountiful-berry-harvest-put-these-chunky-endangered-parrots-in-the-mood-now-scientists-are-celebrating-a-breeding-bonanza-180988510/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/these-tiny-ants-crawled-all-over-larger-ants-and-licked-them-clean-scientists-arent-sure-how-this-behavior-benefits-any-of-them-180988555/After witnessing the interactions in an Arizona desert, a Smithsonian researcher suggests that the little ants picked off tasty treats and that the big ants got thoroughly groomed in hard-to-reach placesThu, 16 Apr 2026 18:00:00 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/these-tiny-ants-crawled-all-over-larger-ants-and-licked-them-clean-scientists-arent-sure-how-this-behavior-benefits-any-of-them-180988555/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/large-invasive-rodents-are-wreaking-havoc-in-california-new-research-suggests-someone-deliberately-introduced-them-180988554/Genetic testing revealed that nutria living in California since 2017 are most closely related to a population in central Oregon—too far for the creatures to have traveled on their ownThu, 16 Apr 2026 16:00:00 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/large-invasive-rodents-are-wreaking-havoc-in-california-new-research-suggests-someone-deliberately-introduced-them-180988554/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/in-the-1990s-a-dog-taught-kids-about-shakespeare-and-homer-a-new-documentary-tells-the-tale-of-wishbone-from-his-backflips-to-his-historical-hats-180988552/The film reunites the human cast and crew who saw the potential of a Jack Russell terrier to bring classic literature to life on PBSThu, 16 Apr 2026 15:31:11 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/in-the-1990s-a-dog-taught-kids-about-shakespeare-and-homer-a-new-documentary-tells-the-tale-of-wishbone-from-his-backflips-to-his-historical-hats-180988552/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/a-glowing-sphere-towering-over-utah-sent-an-urgent-artistic-message-the-great-salt-lake-is-drying-up-180988553/Olafur Eliasson's latest installation married visuals with a soundscape to draw the public's attention to the plight of the important ecosystemThu, 16 Apr 2026 13:00:17 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/a-glowing-sphere-towering-over-utah-sent-an-urgent-artistic-message-the-great-salt-lake-is-drying-up-180988553/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian-institution/see-the-most-adorable-photos-of-baby-elephant-linh-mai-the-national-zoos-newest-star-180988532/Since her birth in early February, the calf has been growing and beginning to bond with her care team and herd. She will go on view in-person and online starting April 22Wed, 15 Apr 2026 17:12:31 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian-institution/see-the-most-adorable-photos-of-baby-elephant-linh-mai-the-national-zoos-newest-star-180988532/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/does-your-cat-always-leave-behind-a-half-full-bowl-of-food-new-research-points-to-why-our-furry-friends-can-be-such-picky-eaters-180988540/A new study suggests that domestic cats get bored of monotonous meals. Switching up their food—or even just nearby scents—could help them join the clean plate clubWed, 15 Apr 2026 16:00:00 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/does-your-cat-always-leave-behind-a-half-full-bowl-of-food-new-research-points-to-why-our-furry-friends-can-be-such-picky-eaters-180988540/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/turtles-may-have-been-tasty-snacks-for-neanderthals-125000-years-ago-but-their-shells-were-probably-the-real-prize-180988550/New research based on fragments discovered at the Neumark-Nord site in Germany suggests Neanderthals may have transformed the shells into toolsWed, 15 Apr 2026 14:46:48 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/turtles-may-have-been-tasty-snacks-for-neanderthals-125000-years-ago-but-their-shells-were-probably-the-real-prize-180988550/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/the-hell-creek-formation-is-north-americas-legendary-boneyard-see-the-top-five-discoveries-found-in-the-iconic-fossil-bed-180988545/From preserved plants to T. rex, the material found in these Late Cretaceous rocks has resulted in countless breakthroughs for paleontologistsWed, 15 Apr 2026 11:30:00 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/the-hell-creek-formation-is-north-americas-legendary-boneyard-see-the-top-five-discoveries-found-in-the-iconic-fossil-bed-180988545/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/colombia-plans-to-euthanize-dozens-of-cocaine-hippos-descendants-of-animals-brought-by-notorious-drug-trafficker-pablo-escobar-180988548/If nothing is done to control the invasive creatures, officials estimate the population could grow to 1,000 animals by 2035. So, they aim to cull about 80 individuals later this yearTue, 14 Apr 2026 21:15:13 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/colombia-plans-to-euthanize-dozens-of-cocaine-hippos-descendants-of-animals-brought-by-notorious-drug-trafficker-pablo-escobar-180988548/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/one-of-the-american-wests-most-iconic-birds-is-attempting-to-mate-near-a-dangerous-airport-could-robo-birds-help-save-them-180988542/Conservationists are deploying dancing animatronic birds to lure male greater sage grouse away from the Jackson Hole Airport, where dozens of the creatures have been struck and killed by planesTue, 14 Apr 2026 16:00:00 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/one-of-the-american-wests-most-iconic-birds-is-attempting-to-mate-near-a-dangerous-airport-could-robo-birds-help-save-them-180988542/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/this-300-million-year-old-mummified-fossil-reveals-the-origins-of-breathing-in-amniotes-180988521/Unusually well-preserved fossils have provided the earliest known evidence of a land vertebrate that could pump air in and out of its chest using muscles between the ribs—the same strategy used by modern mammals, reptiles and birdsMon, 13 Apr 2026 20:06:58 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/this-300-million-year-old-mummified-fossil-reveals-the-origins-of-breathing-in-amniotes-180988521/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/these-wild-chimps-have-been-fighting-in-a-civil-war-for-nearly-a-decade-its-the-bloodiest-split-ever-seen-among-their-kind-180988527/The Ngogo chimpanzees in Uganda have divided themselves into two main factions, and dozens of deaths have been recorded since the split in 2018. A new study details the unprecedented violence, which could shed light on the evolutionary underpinnings of human warfareFri, 10 Apr 2026 20:12:47 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/these-wild-chimps-have-been-fighting-in-a-civil-war-for-nearly-a-decade-its-the-bloodiest-split-ever-seen-among-their-kind-180988527/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/as-their-antarctic-habitat-melts-away-emperor-penguins-are-now-considered-an-endangered-species-180988520/The International Union for Conservation of Nature predicts that the birds' population could be cut in half by the 2080s. The organization also changed the statuses of Antarctic fur seals and southern elephant sealsThu, 09 Apr 2026 20:35:14 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/as-their-antarctic-habitat-melts-away-emperor-penguins-are-now-considered-an-endangered-species-180988520/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/octopus-sex-just-got-weirder-in-addition-to-depositing-sperm-males-specialized-mating-arm-can-taste-female-hormones-180988500/The hectocotylus is both a reproductive organ and a sensory organ, a rare combination in animals, new research suggestsThu, 09 Apr 2026 18:38:26 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/octopus-sex-just-got-weirder-in-addition-to-depositing-sperm-males-specialized-mating-arm-can-taste-female-hormones-180988500/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/a-small-rodent-hero-left-a-giant-legacy-now-cambodia-honors-this-famous-bomb-sniffing-rat-with-a-seven-foot-statue-180988515/Magawa the African giant pouched rat cleared more 1.5 million square feet of land mines during his five-year career, making him one of the most successful bomb-sniffing rodents in the country’s historyThu, 09 Apr 2026 14:00:00 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/a-small-rodent-hero-left-a-giant-legacy-now-cambodia-honors-this-famous-bomb-sniffing-rat-with-a-seven-foot-statue-180988515/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/this-fossil-held-the-world-record-for-the-earliest-known-octopus-turns-out-its-not-an-octopus-after-all-180988511/New research suggests the 300-million-year-old specimen is actually a relative of the nautilusWed, 08 Apr 2026 21:07:00 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/this-fossil-held-the-world-record-for-the-earliest-known-octopus-turns-out-its-not-an-octopus-after-all-180988511/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/freshwater-fish-migrations-are-disappearing-across-the-planet-finds-un-report-180988509/The assessment identified over 300 species of fish that urgently need international conservation effortWed, 08 Apr 2026 17:38:30 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/freshwater-fish-migrations-are-disappearing-across-the-planet-finds-un-report-180988509/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/what-is-a-shark-a-new-genetic-analysis-throws-a-wrench-into-our-understanding-of-the-oceans-predators-180988501/Some shark species might belong to their own distinct lineage, which is separate from all other sharks, rays and skates, according to a new studyWed, 08 Apr 2026 14:00:00 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/what-is-a-shark-a-new-genetic-analysis-throws-a-wrench-into-our-understanding-of-the-oceans-predators-180988501/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/new-fossils-discovered-in-china-hint-that-complex-life-evolved-millions-of-years-earlier-than-scientists-thought-180988490/The assemblage suggests that the ancestors of some of today's animal groups may have arisen before the famed Cambrian explosionTue, 07 Apr 2026 19:32:43 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/new-fossils-discovered-in-china-hint-that-complex-life-evolved-millions-of-years-earlier-than-scientists-thought-180988490/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian-institution/see-the-amazing-images-that-showcase-the-short-brilliant-lives-of-honeybees-throughout-the-seasons-180988495/A new book follows the insects through rain and shine and highlights the unique behaviors of each bee in a colonyTue, 07 Apr 2026 16:24:25 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian-institution/see-the-amazing-images-that-showcase-the-short-brilliant-lives-of-honeybees-throughout-the-seasons-180988495/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/these-rotund-and-charmingly-goofy-birds-are-delighting-new-yorkers-and-dancing-on-social-media-what-is-the-american-woodcock-180988486/The endearing animals make a pit stop in Bryant Park during their migrations to northern breeding grounds, gathering fans and starring in viral videosMon, 06 Apr 2026 17:16:18 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/these-rotund-and-charmingly-goofy-birds-are-delighting-new-yorkers-and-dancing-on-social-media-what-is-the-american-woodcock-180988486/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/bumble-bees-have-a-surprising-sense-of-rhythm-despite-their-tiny-brains-180988481/By speeding up the tempo of alternating flashing lights, the scientists were able to demonstrate yet another example of the small insect's remarkable mindFri, 03 Apr 2026 19:10:23 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/bumble-bees-have-a-surprising-sense-of-rhythm-despite-their-tiny-brains-180988481/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/rock-art-suggests-the-tasmanian-tiger-may-have-survived-on-mainland-australia-longer-than-previously-thought-180988472/Archaeologists think some of the paintings may be less than 1,000 years old, even though the animals were thought to have disappeared from the continent roughly 3,000 years agoFri, 03 Apr 2026 17:58:54 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/rock-art-suggests-the-tasmanian-tiger-may-have-survived-on-mainland-australia-longer-than-previously-thought-180988472/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/meet-domino-a-tiny-bumpy-fish-making-a-splash-in-chicago-180988482/The warty frogfish, also known as a clown anglerfish, is believed to be the first of its kind born and raised in captivityFri, 03 Apr 2026 17:48:37 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/meet-domino-a-tiny-bumpy-fish-making-a-splash-in-chicago-180988482/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/purple-martins-rely-on-human-landlords-to-provide-nest-boxes-each-spring-can-that-dynamic-last-180988478/The large swallows have nested alongside human settlements for centuries. Now, the birds' breeding success depends on caretakers who are beginning to age out of the roleFri, 03 Apr 2026 12:33:00 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/purple-martins-rely-on-human-landlords-to-provide-nest-boxes-each-spring-can-that-dynamic-last-180988478/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian-institution/why-do-so-few-mammals-go-through-menopause-and-more-questions-from-our-readers-180988416/You’ve got questions. We’ve got expertsFri, 03 Apr 2026 12:00:00 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian-institution/why-do-so-few-mammals-go-through-menopause-and-more-questions-from-our-readers-180988416/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/this-500-million-year-old-fossil-of-a-claw-bearing-predator-uncovers-the-origins-of-spiders-scorpions-and-other-arthropods-180988477/A new analysis of a specimen found more than 40 years ago reveals the oldest known chelicerate, defined by its pair of pincer-like appendagesThu, 02 Apr 2026 20:22:13 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/this-500-million-year-old-fossil-of-a-claw-bearing-predator-uncovers-the-origins-of-spiders-scorpions-and-other-arthropods-180988477/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/sea-stars-can-lose-an-arm-and-soldier-on-what-if-robots-could-do-the-same-180988453/Bioinspiration looks to nature for clues on how to build more efficient, resilient robotsThu, 02 Apr 2026 15:47:10 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/sea-stars-can-lose-an-arm-and-soldier-on-what-if-robots-could-do-the-same-180988453/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/how-do-snakes-stand-upright-nearly-stick-straight-new-research-points-to-how-they-pull-off-the-gravity-defying-feat-180988470/These clever creatures seem to concentrate their muscle activity near their bases, which helps them cross gaps between tree branches in the wildThu, 02 Apr 2026 14:00:00 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/how-do-snakes-stand-upright-nearly-stick-straight-new-research-points-to-how-they-pull-off-the-gravity-defying-feat-180988470/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/could-python-blood-lead-to-the-next-generation-of-weight-loss-drugs-180988438/Researchers discovered an appetite-suppressing molecule in python blood. If one day turned into a medication, it might lack some of the common negative side effects of GLP-1sWed, 01 Apr 2026 15:25:09 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/could-python-blood-lead-to-the-next-generation-of-weight-loss-drugs-180988438/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/these-snorkeling-scientists-stumbled-upon-an-surprising-trove-of-fossils-in-a-texas-water-cave-180988464/They found remains of animals that have never been uncovered in Central Texas. The fossils hint that the region was warm, moist and forested 100,000 years agoWed, 01 Apr 2026 14:00:00 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/these-snorkeling-scientists-stumbled-upon-an-surprising-trove-of-fossils-in-a-texas-water-cave-180988464/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/is-this-1800-year-old-mosaic-the-first-known-image-of-a-woman-fighting-wild-beasts-in-an-ancient-roman-arena-180988456/The artwork was destroyed during World War I. But an archaeologist's sketch may reveal a female figure wielding a whip and facing off against a leopard, a new study suggestsWed, 01 Apr 2026 12:00:00 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/is-this-1800-year-old-mosaic-the-first-known-image-of-a-woman-fighting-wild-beasts-in-an-ancient-roman-arena-180988456/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/watch-unprecedented-footage-of-sperm-whales-helping-a-newborn-calf-take-its-first-breaths-180988450/Unrelated animals worked with the mother and her relatives, marking the first known evidence of whales from multiple families assisting in a birthTue, 31 Mar 2026 14:00:00 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/watch-unprecedented-footage-of-sperm-whales-helping-a-newborn-calf-take-its-first-breaths-180988450/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/was-spinosaurus-really-a-hell-heron-digging-into-the-star-of-netflixs-the-dinosaurs-180988440/With an incredible sail and heavy bones that might have acted as ballast, Spinosaurus seems primed for snatching fish. The creature has long captivated the public, from its early mysteries to the recent discovery of a new speciesMon, 30 Mar 2026 11:30:00 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/was-spinosaurus-really-a-hell-heron-digging-into-the-star-of-netflixs-the-dinosaurs-180988440/