https://www.smithsonianmag.com/rss/tag/animals/RSS feed for AnimalsenFri, 23 Oct 2026 15:42:02 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/conservationists-in-australia-celebrate-the-arrival-of-two-southern-cassowary-eggsthe-first-at-adelaide-zoo-in-34-years-180989739/Zoo staffers don’t know whether the bright green eggs are viable and will ultimately hatch into chicks. However, the eggs themselves are a major win, because breeding the birds in captivity is trickyFri, 23 Oct 2026 15:42:02 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/conservationists-in-australia-celebrate-the-arrival-of-two-southern-cassowary-eggsthe-first-at-adelaide-zoo-in-34-years-180989739/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/more-than-1000-birds-were-killed-or-injured-around-chicago-during-a-single-weekend-180989729/On the evening of October 16, more than five million birds are estimated to have flown through Cook County, which includes Chicago. They were propelled by favorable winds brought by a cold frontThu, 22 Oct 2026 14:00:00 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/more-than-1000-birds-were-killed-or-injured-around-chicago-during-a-single-weekend-180989729/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/green-sea-turtles-are-making-a-remarkable-comeback-on-the-remote-aldabra-atoll-and-around-the-world-but-their-recovery-is-far-from-complete-180989710/One year after the species was reclassified from “endangered” to “least concern,” green turtles in the western Indian Ocean exemplify that return—and the subtleties a global designation can missWed, 21 Oct 2026 19:00:00 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/green-sea-turtles-are-making-a-remarkable-comeback-on-the-remote-aldabra-atoll-and-around-the-world-but-their-recovery-is-far-from-complete-180989710/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/african-elephants-shape-the-savanna-ecosystem-and-continue-doing-so-long-after-theyve-died-study-suggests-180989718/At first, plants below an elephant carcass die. Soil microbes and plants grow back soon after, but only a few select species. Herbivores later come in to munch on the nutrient-rich greensWed, 21 Oct 2026 18:47:22 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/african-elephants-shape-the-savanna-ecosystem-and-continue-doing-so-long-after-theyve-died-study-suggests-180989718/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/these-snakes-can-cartwheel-away-from-danger-scientists-just-uncovered-how-the-slithering-creatures-perform-their-acrobatic-rolls-180989720/When they're rolling, some snakes belonging to the Pseudorabdion genus can reach top speeds of 3.8 to 8.3 miles per hour, according to a new studyWed, 21 Oct 2026 16:00:00 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/these-snakes-can-cartwheel-away-from-danger-scientists-just-uncovered-how-the-slithering-creatures-perform-their-acrobatic-rolls-180989720/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/sick-corals-can-heal-with-the-help-of-a-magic-touch-from-healthy-ones-offering-hope-for-heat-damaged-marine-ecosystems-180989693/A coral is often a colony of tiny, genetically identical animals. New research suggests that when a bleached coral fragment comes into physical contact with a colorful, thriving clone, the pale one can revive within weeksTue, 20 Oct 2026 18:56:20 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/sick-corals-can-heal-with-the-help-of-a-magic-touch-from-healthy-ones-offering-hope-for-heat-damaged-marine-ecosystems-180989693/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/this-dog-learned-to-sniff-out-a-slimy-marine-invader-called-sea-vomit-a-skill-that-earned-her-the-animal-of-the-year-award-180989706/Sgiath, a 6-year-old Labrador from the Scottish Highlands, received the honor from the International Fund for Animal Welfare. She's believed to be the first pup trained to hunt for the invasive carpet sea squirt, which is threatening marine life along the British coast and elsewhereTue, 20 Oct 2026 14:00:00 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/this-dog-learned-to-sniff-out-a-slimy-marine-invader-called-sea-vomit-a-skill-that-earned-her-the-animal-of-the-year-award-180989706/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/how-colorados-wildlife-mitigation-efforts-including-the-largest-animal-crossing-overpass-in-north-america-are-making-everyone-safer-180989704/Animals can now cross a dangerous stretch of Interstate 25 thanks to new infrastructure, including fences, underpasses and a massive overpass, which has led to a 91 percent reduction in wildlife-vehicle collisionsMon, 19 Oct 2026 14:00:00 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/how-colorados-wildlife-mitigation-efforts-including-the-largest-animal-crossing-overpass-in-north-america-are-making-everyone-safer-180989704/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/wildlife-experts-stunned-to-find-that-bird-flu-killed-jackie-the-beloved-internet-famous-bald-eagle-180989703/Jackie died in August after receiving weeks of intensive care at the Ojai Raptor Center in California. The necropsy results are surprising, given that Jackie's symptoms were unusual for bird flu and there is no ongoing outbreak among bald eaglesFri, 16 Oct 2026 18:23:17 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/wildlife-experts-stunned-to-find-that-bird-flu-killed-jackie-the-beloved-internet-famous-bald-eagle-180989703/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian-institution/in-the-new-movie-whalefall-a-cetacean-swallows-a-diver-whole-the-sperm-whales-remarkable-anatomy-and-feeding-habits-shape-the-survival-thriller-180989700/The film, an adaptation of Daniel Kraus’ 2023 novel, tells the story of a young man with an extremely challenging task: make it out of a whale’s stomach aliveFri, 16 Oct 2026 17:45:41 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian-institution/in-the-new-movie-whalefall-a-cetacean-swallows-a-diver-whole-the-sperm-whales-remarkable-anatomy-and-feeding-habits-shape-the-survival-thriller-180989700/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/small-dogs-tend-to-live-longer-than-big-dogs-scientists-say-they-might-finally-know-why-and-it-goes-to-the-molecular-level-180989695/Larger breeds like Great Danes seem to accumulate changes to chemical tags on their DNA more quickly than tinier breeds, such as chihuahuas. These alterations allow potentially harmful 'jumping genes' to move around their genomesFri, 16 Oct 2026 16:00:00 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/small-dogs-tend-to-live-longer-than-big-dogs-scientists-say-they-might-finally-know-why-and-it-goes-to-the-molecular-level-180989695/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/this-ancient-animal-looked-like-a-platapys-otter-hybrid-its-providing-clues-about-the-origins-of-mammalian-suckling-and-swallowing-180989666/The roughly two- to four-pound predator lived alongside dinosaurs some 165 million years ago. A fossil found in northern China shows the strange creature had a surprisingly modern throat structureFri, 16 Oct 2026 14:00:00 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/this-ancient-animal-looked-like-a-platapys-otter-hybrid-its-providing-clues-about-the-origins-of-mammalian-suckling-and-swallowing-180989666/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/wildlife-biologists-start-vaccinating-shy-albatross-by-hand-taking-aim-at-the-spread-of-avian-flu-in-tasmania-180989684/If all goes to plan, officials hope to vaccinate up to 100 of the large seabirds on Albatross Island, giving each two doses of the vaccine. Afterward, they plan to keep tabs on the birds using remote cameras and follow-up visitsThu, 15 Oct 2026 15:21:22 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/wildlife-biologists-start-vaccinating-shy-albatross-by-hand-taking-aim-at-the-spread-of-avian-flu-in-tasmania-180989684/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/birds-in-their-pants-two-men-accused-of-smuggling-21-avians-after-miami-airport-bust-180989670/Customs officers say they found the creatures hidden in the men's clothes after they touched down on separate flights from Cuba, and it's unclear whether the two incidents are related. Wildlife trafficking is the world's fourth-largest form of organized crimeThu, 15 Oct 2026 14:52:27 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/birds-in-their-pants-two-men-accused-of-smuggling-21-avians-after-miami-airport-bust-180989670/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/see-the-stunning-winners-of-the-wildlife-photographer-of-the-year-contest-capturing-the-splendor-and-drama-of-nature-180989681/These 19 recognized images highlight the diversity across our planet and the value in appreciating and protecting the natural worldWed, 14 Oct 2026 20:50:00 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/see-the-stunning-winners-of-the-wildlife-photographer-of-the-year-contest-capturing-the-splendor-and-drama-of-nature-180989681/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/a-family-of-barn-owls-has-moved-into-new-york-citys-upper-west-side-perhaps-the-first-to-nest-in-manhattan-in-modern-history-180989674/The feathered residents have attracted lots of attention, as their species is considered an extremely rare sight in the cityTue, 13 Oct 2026 19:25:00 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/a-family-of-barn-owls-has-moved-into-new-york-citys-upper-west-side-perhaps-the-first-to-nest-in-manhattan-in-modern-history-180989674/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/watch-five-adorable-newborn-cheetah-cubs-grow-on-a-livestream-from-the-smithsonians-conservation-biology-institute-180989669/The healthy and active babies are being cared for by first-time mother Zura, and the public can keep up with their antics through an online cheetah cub camFri, 09 Oct 2026 21:05:40 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/watch-five-adorable-newborn-cheetah-cubs-grow-on-a-livestream-from-the-smithsonians-conservation-biology-institute-180989669/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/scientists-took-a-cheek-swab-from-the-worlds-oldest-tortoise-his-dna-could-reveal-hints-to-longevity-180989663/Jonathan, an Aldabra giant tortoise, is about 194 years old and the oldest land animal alive today. Discoveries about his genetics could provide clues to extending lifespan in humansFri, 09 Oct 2026 17:28:10 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/scientists-took-a-cheek-swab-from-the-worlds-oldest-tortoise-his-dna-could-reveal-hints-to-longevity-180989663/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/these-south-american-birds-can-match-a-jackhammers-ear-splitting-volume-making-them-some-of-the-worlds-loudest-known-avians-180989629/The bare-throated bellbird and the red-legged seriema can produce sounds at amplitudes that exceed 120 decibels, which puts them on par with a trumpeting elephant or a chainsawFri, 09 Oct 2026 13:00:00 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/these-south-american-birds-can-match-a-jackhammers-ear-splitting-volume-making-them-some-of-the-worlds-loudest-known-avians-180989629/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/african-elephants-often-produce-choruses-of-low-pitched-rumbles-now-scientists-are-using-ai-to-decode-the-joint-vocalizations-180989620/New research suggests the animals' overlapping calls serve as coordinated group messages and may contain additional information beyond what’s encoded in individual rumblesThu, 08 Oct 2026 13:00:00 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/african-elephants-often-produce-choruses-of-low-pitched-rumbles-now-scientists-are-using-ai-to-decode-the-joint-vocalizations-180989620/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/five-discoveries-that-changed-our-understanding-of-t-rex-forever-from-warm-blood-to-lips-180989634/Paleontologists are still unraveling the secrets of the world’s most famous dinosaur, such as its outward appearance or the way that it hunted. With each new finding, our view of the “tyrant lizard king” has gotten a little clearer—and sometimes has radically shiftedWed, 07 Oct 2026 17:15:01 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/five-discoveries-that-changed-our-understanding-of-t-rex-forever-from-warm-blood-to-lips-180989634/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian-institution/these-five-birds-have-disappeared-forever-their-history-offers-a-valuable-lesson-for-the-future-180989616/In an exhibition celebrating the natural history of the United States, a small group of taxidermy birds stands as a reminder of loss—and a symbol of hopeMon, 05 Oct 2026 17:38:51 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian-institution/these-five-birds-have-disappeared-forever-their-history-offers-a-valuable-lesson-for-the-future-180989616/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/see-the-impressive-winning-images-of-adorable-somber-and-commanding-canines-from-the-2026-dog-photography-awards-180989609/Posing pit bulls, stoic galgos and frisbee-chasing Aussies feature among the annual competition’s prize winnersMon, 05 Oct 2026 13:24:58 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/see-the-impressive-winning-images-of-adorable-somber-and-commanding-canines-from-the-2026-dog-photography-awards-180989609/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/these-15-adorable-photos-of-pandas-will-make-you-want-to-visit-the-zoo-immediately-180989606/Members of the fluffy and adorable but vulnerable species are often cared for in zoos and breeding centers around the world, and these snapshots may make you jealous of the caretakers’ jobsFri, 02 Oct 2026 15:21:12 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/these-15-adorable-photos-of-pandas-will-make-you-want-to-visit-the-zoo-immediately-180989606/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/these-wild-lemurs-sing-just-like-opera-stars-widening-their-mouths-as-they-hit-the-high-notes-study-suggests-180989603/Scientists suspect this musical trait arose independently in humans and indris, which split from a common ancestor some 74 million years ago. Today, the lemurs make loud, haunting calls to communicate with one another in the dense forests of eastern MadagascarFri, 02 Oct 2026 14:34:46 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/these-wild-lemurs-sing-just-like-opera-stars-widening-their-mouths-as-they-hit-the-high-notes-study-suggests-180989603/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/scientists-discover-two-new-species-of-sea-spider-in-the-pacific-northwest-and-they-look-like-they-came-straight-out-of-a-horror-movie-180989598/You don't need to worry about the critters coming after you, since they're only a fraction of an inch across. They join the roughly 1,400 known species of ocean-dwelling spidersFri, 02 Oct 2026 14:00:00 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/scientists-discover-two-new-species-of-sea-spider-in-the-pacific-northwest-and-they-look-like-they-came-straight-out-of-a-horror-movie-180989598/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/see-the-hilarious-animal-shenanigans-captured-in-photos-and-videos-shortlisted-for-the-2026-nikon-comedy-wildlife-awards-180989600/From a sneezing moose to a real-life angry bird, this year's competition received a whopping more than 10,000 entries from 112 countriesThu, 01 Oct 2026 23:01:00 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/see-the-hilarious-animal-shenanigans-captured-in-photos-and-videos-shortlisted-for-the-2026-nikon-comedy-wildlife-awards-180989600/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/four-beluga-whales-died-weeks-after-being-rescued-from-a-defunct-marine-park-in-canada-were-the-animals-too-sick-to-be-moved-180989597/They were among 30 whales transferred from the facility over the summer. It had faced multiple allegations of animal neglect and cruelty before closing in 2024Thu, 01 Oct 2026 15:34:19 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/four-beluga-whales-died-weeks-after-being-rescued-from-a-defunct-marine-park-in-canada-were-the-animals-too-sick-to-be-moved-180989597/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/meet-this-years-chonky-champion-of-fat-bear-week-backpack-a-laid-back-20-year-old-male-whos-a-stoic-presence-on-the-river-180989595/The brown bear, who now weighs between 1,000 and 1,200 pounds after fattening up on salmon, earned his nickname as a cub. When he was little, he enjoyed riding on his mom's back as she swam across a riverThu, 01 Oct 2026 13:00:00 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/meet-this-years-chonky-champion-of-fat-bear-week-backpack-a-laid-back-20-year-old-male-whos-a-stoic-presence-on-the-river-180989595/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/a-shark-was-spotted-swimming-through-the-flooded-streets-of-new-jersey-during-the-noreaster-180989588/The creature has been identified as a smooth dogfish, a harmless species found throughout the western Atlantic Ocean. It wasn't the only animal caught in the chaos brought by the storm systemWed, 30 Sep 2026 14:00:00 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/a-shark-was-spotted-swimming-through-the-flooded-streets-of-new-jersey-during-the-noreaster-180989588/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/two-heads-are-better-than-one-rare-double-headed-turtle-hatchling-discovered-on-cape-cod-180989579/The tiny diamondback terrapin was brought to a wildlife center on September 17. At the time, the creature weighed about as much as a nickelTue, 29 Sep 2026 13:33:21 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/two-heads-are-better-than-one-rare-double-headed-turtle-hatchling-discovered-on-cape-cod-180989579/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/this-massive-deep-sea-roly-poly-can-go-years-without-food-thanks-to-a-huge-stomach-and-a-stolen-gene-study-suggests-180989562/The ancestors of the giant isopod Bathynomus jamesi—a seafloor-dwelling creature that resembles a huge pill bug—acquired the snippet of DNA from bacteria more than 16 million years ago, according to a new study. The gene helps the animal slow its metabolismMon, 28 Sep 2026 19:53:41 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/this-massive-deep-sea-roly-poly-can-go-years-without-food-thanks-to-a-huge-stomach-and-a-stolen-gene-study-suggests-180989562/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/in-a-first-sea-turtles-were-spotted-nesting-on-the-us-west-coast-scientists-say-the-super-el-nino-could-have-brought-them-there-180989574/Two olive ridley turtles were found laying eggs on beaches in Southern California in September. In the Pacific Ocean, these reptiles normally nest farther south, often in Mexico, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and PanamaFri, 25 Sep 2026 20:24:20 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/in-a-first-sea-turtles-were-spotted-nesting-on-the-us-west-coast-scientists-say-the-super-el-nino-could-have-brought-them-there-180989574/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/two-new-stick-insect-species-have-been-discovered-in-australiaand-another-one-was-hiding-in-plain-sight-180989575/The new discoveries emphasize that scientists have a lot left to learn about insect diversity, even in areas with many observationsFri, 25 Sep 2026 19:03:30 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/two-new-stick-insect-species-have-been-discovered-in-australiaand-another-one-was-hiding-in-plain-sight-180989575/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/where-did-bats-originate-huge-genetic-study-may-have-settled-the-longstanding-debate-and-rewritten-the-creatures-evolutionary-tree-180989568/The flying mammals likely arose 65 million years ago in Europe, before spreading to Africa and then the rest of the world, according to the new researchFri, 25 Sep 2026 14:00:00 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/where-did-bats-originate-huge-genetic-study-may-have-settled-the-longstanding-debate-and-rewritten-the-creatures-evolutionary-tree-180989568/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/these-15-wonderful-photographs-of-kenyas-world-class-wildlife-will-have-you-booking-a-flight-to-the-savanna-180989558/The East African nation is home to a number of conservation parks where its impressive animals roam freeFri, 25 Sep 2026 11:00:00 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/these-15-wonderful-photographs-of-kenyas-world-class-wildlife-will-have-you-booking-a-flight-to-the-savanna-180989558/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/some-birdsongs-are-more-pleasing-to-human-ears-than-others-higher-pitched-complex-calls-tend-to-sound-more-beautiful-to-us-180989540/In a new study, more than 80 participants rated the pleasantness of vocalizations made by 123 European bird species. Researchers then looked at the acoustic qualities of the most—and least—liked songsThu, 24 Sep 2026 19:01:33 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/some-birdsongs-are-more-pleasing-to-human-ears-than-others-higher-pitched-complex-calls-tend-to-sound-more-beautiful-to-us-180989540/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/an-otter-just-returned-to-new-york-citys-bronx-river-for-the-first-time-in-a-century-now-you-can-help-name-it-180989556/A trail camera photographed the animal earlier this summer, offering a hopeful sign that the once-polluted urban waterway is recovering after decades of restoration workWed, 23 Sep 2026 18:06:27 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/an-otter-just-returned-to-new-york-citys-bronx-river-for-the-first-time-in-a-century-now-you-can-help-name-it-180989556/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/meet-bubbles-a-dolphin-in-australia-that-chases-fish-until-they-barf-then-eats-their-upchucked-meals-180989547/Scientists recorded 11 instances of Bubbles successfully snacking this way. They mark some of the first detailed observations of kleptoparasitism, or food stealing, in cetaceans, the group of marine mammals that includes dolphins, whales and porpoisesWed, 23 Sep 2026 14:00:00 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/meet-bubbles-a-dolphin-in-australia-that-chases-fish-until-they-barf-then-eats-their-upchucked-meals-180989547/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/experience-the-wonder-of-birds-with-these-11-winning-photos-from-the-bird-photographer-of-the-year-contest-180989552/From a greater sage-grouse performing a mating display to a tawny frogmouth making a funny face, these photographs capture the breathtaking diversity of the world’s avian speciesWed, 23 Sep 2026 13:22:07 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/experience-the-wonder-of-birds-with-these-11-winning-photos-from-the-bird-photographer-of-the-year-contest-180989552/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian-institution/these-small-stealthy-bats-use-high-frequency-vocalizations-to-keep-their-chatter-out-of-the-range-of-predators-and-prey-180989550/New research shows that proboscis bats communicate with each other and echolocate at higher frequencies than scientists expected. This could help the animals sneak up to their targets and evade creatures that want to eat themWed, 23 Sep 2026 13:00:00 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian-institution/these-small-stealthy-bats-use-high-frequency-vocalizations-to-keep-their-chatter-out-of-the-range-of-predators-and-prey-180989550/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/cameras-capture-adult-chimpanzees-passing-tools-and-know-how-to-their-young-teaching-important-skills-to-the-next-generation-180989538/Researchers recorded footage of wild chimps in Senegal showing youngsters how to use sticks to fish out ants and how to smash baobab fruit against rocks to open it, among other instances of instructionTue, 22 Sep 2026 14:00:00 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/cameras-capture-adult-chimpanzees-passing-tools-and-know-how-to-their-young-teaching-important-skills-to-the-next-generation-180989538/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/an-armadillo-found-in-ohio-is-the-latest-surprise-in-the-armored-animals-expansion-north-where-are-they-now-and-whats-driving-their-movement-180989530/Typically spotted in the South and Southeast, the creatures have been reaching increasingly distant states like North Carolina, Virginia and Illinois as winters become milderMon, 21 Sep 2026 17:56:03 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/an-armadillo-found-in-ohio-is-the-latest-surprise-in-the-armored-animals-expansion-north-where-are-they-now-and-whats-driving-their-movement-180989530/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/meet-the-adorable-and-tiny-tilcayo-the-first-brand-new-cat-species-identified-in-more-than-a-century-180989528/Discovered in a cloud forest in Bolivia, the diminutive felines are smaller than a house cat and covered in large, irregularly shaped rosettesMon, 21 Sep 2026 14:00:00 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/meet-the-adorable-and-tiny-tilcayo-the-first-brand-new-cat-species-identified-in-more-than-a-century-180989528/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/a-herd-of-40-life-size-bison-puppets-will-stampede-through-new-york-this-weekend-to-honor-indigenous-history-and-resilience-180989525/The massive bovines, each maneuvered by three puppeteers, will roam through Lower Manhattan and BrooklynFri, 18 Sep 2026 18:44:15 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/a-herd-of-40-life-size-bison-puppets-will-stampede-through-new-york-this-weekend-to-honor-indigenous-history-and-resilience-180989525/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/tyrannosaurus-rex-was-a-warm-blooded-dinosaur-with-a-body-temperature-similar-to-that-of-humans-study-suggests-180989519/A tooth analysis hints that the fearsome predator ran at a toasty 97 degrees Fahrenheit. Maintaining that internal temperature may have allowed it to inhabit a range stretching from modern-day Alaska to Mexico during the Cretaceous periodFri, 18 Sep 2026 15:59:36 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/tyrannosaurus-rex-was-a-warm-blooded-dinosaur-with-a-body-temperature-similar-to-that-of-humans-study-suggests-180989519/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/five-ways-the-world-of-the-dinosaurs-looked-different-from-ours-beyond-the-presence-of-the-terrible-lizards-180989521/Earth has changed dramatically since the Age of Dinosaurs, from its climate to geography and animal lifeFri, 18 Sep 2026 14:00:00 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/five-ways-the-world-of-the-dinosaurs-looked-different-from-ours-beyond-the-presence-of-the-terrible-lizards-180989521/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/a-humpback-whale-mom-stayed-with-her-stillborn-calf-repeatedly-touchingi-it-and-staring-into-its-eyes-was-she-grieving-180989516/Observed last year off the coast of Queensland, Australia, this event marks the first documentation of a stillbirth in the species, providing a rare glimpse at how the highly social animals respond to deathFri, 18 Sep 2026 14:00:00 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/a-humpback-whale-mom-stayed-with-her-stillborn-calf-repeatedly-touchingi-it-and-staring-into-its-eyes-was-she-grieving-180989516/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/new-zealand-welcomes-a-record-90-kakapo-chicks-helping-the-worlds-chunkiest-parrot-species-rebound-from-the-brink-of-extinction-180989511/Annual chick counts aren't confirmed until the youngest hatchling reaches 150 days old, a benchmark for independence. The population now stands at 325 birds, up from the 51 individuals that remained in 1995Thu, 17 Sep 2026 14:00:00 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/new-zealand-welcomes-a-record-90-kakapo-chicks-helping-the-worlds-chunkiest-parrot-species-rebound-from-the-brink-of-extinction-180989511/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/this-new-brain-map-shows-every-nerve-cell-in-an-adult-male-fruit-flys-central-nervous-system-heres-why-that-matters-180989490/The recently released "connectome" joins a previously completed map of an adult female fruit fly’s brain. The digital 3D diagrams allow scientists to trace precise neural paths in the bugs’ brains, which can unlock secrets about the organ in humansWed, 16 Sep 2026 16:17:14 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/this-new-brain-map-shows-every-nerve-cell-in-an-adult-male-fruit-flys-central-nervous-system-heres-why-that-matters-180989490/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/three-wild-dogs-made-a-record-breaking-trek-across-zambia-traveling-more-than-2500-miles-in-search-of-mates-180989505/The canines achieved the longest recorded movement by any African mammal. Their journey highlights the importance of having protected corridors for wildlifeWed, 16 Sep 2026 15:47:25 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/three-wild-dogs-made-a-record-breaking-trek-across-zambia-traveling-more-than-2500-miles-in-search-of-mates-180989505/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/some-fish-in-the-great-lakes-might-be-more-than-400-years-old-a-study-suggests-outliving-around-15-generations-of-humans-180989500/Lake sturgeon may be among the longest-living vertebrates, second only to Greenland sharks, according to recent research. However, scientists note that follow-up work is necessary to clarify the species’ life spanWed, 16 Sep 2026 13:43:20 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/some-fish-in-the-great-lakes-might-be-more-than-400-years-old-a-study-suggests-outliving-around-15-generations-of-humans-180989500/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/tasmanian-devils-lived-alongside-humans-in-northwestern-australia-as-far-back-as-45000-years-ago-researchers-find-180989503/Fossils and marked bones unearthed in a Juukan Gorge cave suggest that the marsupial species not only once lived in the region but may have been a “garbage compactor on four legs” for its human populationWed, 16 Sep 2026 13:15:00 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/tasmanian-devils-lived-alongside-humans-in-northwestern-australia-as-far-back-as-45000-years-ago-researchers-find-180989503/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/marmot-mystery-how-did-these-large-mountain-dwelling-rodents-end-up-in-the-bay-area-180989502/The two rodents of unusual size, rescued this month, might have hitched a ride in the engine compartment of a vehicle coming down from the mountains, wildlife officials sayTue, 15 Sep 2026 20:21:10 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/marmot-mystery-how-did-these-large-mountain-dwelling-rodents-end-up-in-the-bay-area-180989502/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/these-four-giant-dinosaur-footprints-discovered-in-north-dakota-might-represent-the-first-trackway-made-by-an-adult-t-rex-ever-found-180989481/A high school teacher first spotted the remarkable trail while volunteering on a paleontological dig. Researchers suspect a hulking, full-grown dinosaur marched through the then-swampy landscape roughly 66.5 million years agoTue, 15 Sep 2026 14:00:00 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/these-four-giant-dinosaur-footprints-discovered-in-north-dakota-might-represent-the-first-trackway-made-by-an-adult-t-rex-ever-found-180989481/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/see-nine-stunning-images-from-this-years-ocean-photographer-of-the-year-contest-that-show-the-majesty-of-marine-life-180989489/From seahorse farewells to saving a stranded whale, the photos capture the diversity and beauty of sea creatures—but also the perils they faceMon, 14 Sep 2026 16:15:00 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/see-nine-stunning-images-from-this-years-ocean-photographer-of-the-year-contest-that-show-the-majesty-of-marine-life-180989489/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/watch-an-elusive-and-ethereal-bigfin-squid-float-above-the-seafloor-off-central-california-180989491/This marks the first time the mysterious creature has been seen alive in the northeastern Pacific Ocean. It was spotted last month by scientists on an expedition to study marine life near underwater mountainsMon, 14 Sep 2026 14:00:00 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/watch-an-elusive-and-ethereal-bigfin-squid-float-above-the-seafloor-off-central-california-180989491/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/for-decades-scientists-thought-an-american-cheetah-once-roamed-north-america-ancient-turns-out-the-extinct-cat-wasnt-a-cheetah-180989465/Ancient DNA from fossils found in Wyoming and Canada's Yukon Territory suggests the wild cat more closely resembled modern pumas than modern cheetahsFri, 11 Sep 2026 14:00:00 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/for-decades-scientists-thought-an-american-cheetah-once-roamed-north-america-ancient-turns-out-the-extinct-cat-wasnt-a-cheetah-180989465/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/a-genetically-modified-pig-kidney-kept-a-man-alive-for-a-record-nine-months-allowing-him-to-wait-for-a-donated-human-organ-180989466/The animal organ kept Tim Andrews off dialysis for 271 days and represents the first time a pig kidney has been used as a bridge to human organ transplantationFri, 11 Sep 2026 12:00:00 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/a-genetically-modified-pig-kidney-kept-a-man-alive-for-a-record-nine-months-allowing-him-to-wait-for-a-donated-human-organ-180989466/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/australias-second-smallest-rock-wallaby-reappears-in-a-region-where-it-had-not-been-seen-for-50-years-180989469/The endangered nabarlek is not easy to find and difficult to distinguish from similar species. But a research team made new detections of the animals that offer “good news for their long-term survival”Thu, 10 Sep 2026 18:00:37 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/australias-second-smallest-rock-wallaby-reappears-in-a-region-where-it-had-not-been-seen-for-50-years-180989469/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/the-tasmanian-tiger-was-branded-a-livestock-killer-new-research-challenges-that-myth-180989473/Thylacines had powerful snapping bites suited for catching small and medium-sized prey like bandicoots—not taking down large animals such as sheep and cattle, as European colonists fearedThu, 10 Sep 2026 17:43:58 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/the-tasmanian-tiger-was-branded-a-livestock-killer-new-research-challenges-that-myth-180989473/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/the-tip-of-this-snakes-tail-looks-like-a-spider-but-inside-its-bones-are-bizarrely-normal-180989478/High-tech scans reveal the first detailed look at the internal anatomy of the spider-tailed horned viper. The findings shed light on little-known snake vertebrae and highlight the difficulty of predicting what an animal looks like from its skeletonThu, 10 Sep 2026 16:06:57 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/the-tip-of-this-snakes-tail-looks-like-a-spider-but-inside-its-bones-are-bizarrely-normal-180989478/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/archaeologists-uncover-a-neolithic-sculpture-of-a-human-riding-a-leopard-thats-unlike-anything-we-have-encountered-before-180989477/The artifact was found during excavations at Karahan Tepe, an 11,000-year-old site in southeastern Turkey. Created long before the invention of writing, the 2.3-foot-tall sculpture's purpose is a mysteryThu, 10 Sep 2026 14:09:55 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/archaeologists-uncover-a-neolithic-sculpture-of-a-human-riding-a-leopard-thats-unlike-anything-we-have-encountered-before-180989477/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/this-hospital-ship-sank-off-albania-coast-during-world-war-ii-now-its-teeming-with-marine-life-180989468/A new survey of the "Po" has revealed a thriving underwater ecosystem, including rare Mediterranean monk sealsWed, 09 Sep 2026 17:57:33 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/this-hospital-ship-sank-off-albania-coast-during-world-war-ii-now-its-teeming-with-marine-life-180989468/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/these-adorable-critically-endangered-pygmy-raccoons-in-cozumel-are-teaching-one-another-to-turn-trash-into-toy-balls-180989459/The observations offer rare evidence of a skill being passed among raccoons. But the work also highlights the effects of human pollution at the popular tourist destinationTue, 08 Sep 2026 18:49:50 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/these-adorable-critically-endangered-pygmy-raccoons-in-cozumel-are-teaching-one-another-to-turn-trash-into-toy-balls-180989459/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/scientists-recreated-the-long-lost-chirps-of-jurassic-insects-listen-to-the-simulated-soundscape-of-165-million-years-ago-180989445/With artificial intelligence and careful modeling of fossilized wings, researchers reproduced how some extinct, katydid-like insects might have made noiseThu, 03 Sep 2026 20:08:40 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/scientists-recreated-the-long-lost-chirps-of-jurassic-insects-listen-to-the-simulated-soundscape-of-165-million-years-ago-180989445/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/these-20-breathtaking-bird-images-from-the-audubon-photography-awards-capture-the-wonder-of-the-winged-world-180989436/The winners of the 17th annual contest reveal the beauty of birds, the splendor of their migratory journeys and the risks they faceWed, 02 Sep 2026 19:48:46 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/these-20-breathtaking-bird-images-from-the-audubon-photography-awards-capture-the-wonder-of-the-winged-world-180989436/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/blue-crabs-have-taken-over-the-adriatic-sea-to-fight-them-off-italian-researchers-just-released-thousands-of-baby-octopuses-180989430/Although prized in the United States, the crustaceans have been decimating ecosystems and the fishing industry in Italy. Experts hope that an army of natural predators—common octopuses—can help contain the invasive species' spreadWed, 02 Sep 2026 18:48:01 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/blue-crabs-have-taken-over-the-adriatic-sea-to-fight-them-off-italian-researchers-just-released-thousands-of-baby-octopuses-180989430/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/reptiles-make-a-surprising-amount-of-noise-heres-what-those-sounds-might-mean-from-pops-to-hoots-to-bellows-180989422/Scientists are realizing that turtles, lizards and crocodilians communicate vocally more than they once thoughtWed, 02 Sep 2026 11:30:00 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/reptiles-make-a-surprising-amount-of-noise-heres-what-those-sounds-might-mean-from-pops-to-hoots-to-bellows-180989422/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/allergic-to-dogs-these-gene-edited-beagles-could-pave-the-way-to-your-dream-canine-companion-that-wont-trigger-sniffles-180989303/Geneticists altered Alfie and Bailey’s DNA so that they don't produce a major allergen. However, canines like them are not currently commercially available, and some experts express ethical concerns about altering the animals' genesTue, 01 Sep 2026 19:12:02 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/allergic-to-dogs-these-gene-edited-beagles-could-pave-the-way-to-your-dream-canine-companion-that-wont-trigger-sniffles-180989303/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/this-ancient-insect-had-24-legs-and-could-help-explain-how-the-ancestors-of-modern-day-bugs-took-over-the-land-180989420/A previously undescribed critter that lived 324 million years ago appears to have been a transitional species that lived between land and sea. It could help researchers fill an 80-million-year gap in the fossil record of how crustaceans evolved into insectsTue, 01 Sep 2026 14:00:00 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/this-ancient-insect-had-24-legs-and-could-help-explain-how-the-ancestors-of-modern-day-bugs-took-over-the-land-180989420/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/female-treefrogs-experience-choice-overload-amid-too-many-mating-calls-from-males-180989411/Faced with a chorus of potential mates, female Cope’s gray treefrogs may be overwhelmed by the number of options and struggle to make a careful decision, a study suggestsTue, 01 Sep 2026 13:42:53 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/female-treefrogs-experience-choice-overload-amid-too-many-mating-calls-from-males-180989411/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/a-new-museum-in-northern-norway-is-bringing-visitors-into-the-world-of-whales-from-life-size-orcas-to-immersive-underwater-exhibits-180989421/Opening in 2027, The Whale will explore the science, behavior, evolution and cultural history of whales through art, storytelling, sound and architectureMon, 31 Aug 2026 17:57:00 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/a-new-museum-in-northern-norway-is-bringing-visitors-into-the-world-of-whales-from-life-size-orcas-to-immersive-underwater-exhibits-180989421/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/meet-the-newly-discovered-fuzzy-fish-species-named-after-mr-snuffleupagus-from-sesame-street-180988774/The ghost pipefish's scruffy appearance probably helps it look like floating algae, allowing it to blend in with its environment. Researchers had been on the hunt for this strange creature for years after first spotting one more than two decades agoMon, 31 Aug 2026 14:00:00 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/meet-the-newly-discovered-fuzzy-fish-species-named-after-mr-snuffleupagus-from-sesame-street-180988774/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/when-fruit-is-scarce-these-monkeys-hunt-animals-the-behavior-may-offer-clues-about-the-origins-of-humans-meat-eating-habits-180989412/The bearded capuchins of northeastern Brazil typically eat plant-based foods, but they turn to small vertebrates when those sources are limited. Our ancestors may have done the same, eventually allowing predatory behaviors to be more frequently passed on in our lineageFri, 28 Aug 2026 14:00:00 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/when-fruit-is-scarce-these-monkeys-hunt-animals-the-behavior-may-offer-clues-about-the-origins-of-humans-meat-eating-habits-180989412/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/snails-can-make-their-slime-sticky-slippery-foamy-or-hard-depending-on-their-needs-heres-how-they-tweak-their-multipurpose-mucus-180989361/The critters can alter the proportions of calcium and collagen in the versatile substance, which changes the protein structure. The different textures can help snails glide, climb or protect themselvesThu, 27 Aug 2026 20:04:47 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/snails-can-make-their-slime-sticky-slippery-foamy-or-hard-depending-on-their-needs-heres-how-they-tweak-their-multipurpose-mucus-180989361/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/paleontologists-discover-a-new-species-of-ice-age-toad-at-the-la-brea-tar-pits-offering-clues-about-the-areas-ancient-climate-180989390/The fossilized remains, recovered in 1929, were part of La Brea's relatively understudied amphibian collection. Since toads are cold-blooded and sensitive to environmental changes, the discovery can help researchers piece together past climate conditionsThu, 27 Aug 2026 15:37:27 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/paleontologists-discover-a-new-species-of-ice-age-toad-at-the-la-brea-tar-pits-offering-clues-about-the-areas-ancient-climate-180989390/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/see-16-stunning-animal-images-from-the-wildlife-photographer-of-the-year-awards-180989397/Now in its 62nd year, the famed competition has released a sneak peek of the entries from this contest ahead of announcing the winners in OctoberWed, 26 Aug 2026 18:28:04 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/see-16-stunning-animal-images-from-the-wildlife-photographer-of-the-year-awards-180989397/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/cast-your-vote-for-the-chunkiest-alpine-rodent-during-colorados-first-ever-fat-marmot-week-180989395/The inaugural competition puts eight yellow-bellied marmots head-to-head while shining a light on the science behind their seasonal weight gain and survival at high elevationsTue, 25 Aug 2026 19:33:40 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/cast-your-vote-for-the-chunkiest-alpine-rodent-during-colorados-first-ever-fat-marmot-week-180989395/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/these-tiny-shrews-grow-bigger-snouts-and-shrink-their-brains-to-survive-harsh-winters-study-suggests-180989369/Scientists have long known that some small mammals reduce their brain size during cold months and regrow them in the spring. Long-clawed shrews from Hokkaido, Japan, seem to follow that pattern—while their noses surprisingly do the oppositeTue, 25 Aug 2026 15:36:12 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/these-tiny-shrews-grow-bigger-snouts-and-shrink-their-brains-to-survive-harsh-winters-study-suggests-180989369/