Animal Watch

The Lammergeier: A Bone-Eating Scavenger from Central Asia

by Lucas Abiy, age 8

Did you know there is a bird that can eat and digest bones? They are called Lammergeiers.

The true size of the Lammergeier's beak is hidden by its long, stiff bristles. In fact, the bristles are hiding nearly three inches of its beak! While the beak is a way for these birds to carry food, their big feet, muscular toes, and sharp, curved talons are important for holding food as well.

Other vultures have bare heads and necks. However, Lammergeier has light orange feathers and often gets confused with the Egyptian vulture due to their similar colors. One way to differentiate them is that the Lammergier has black circles around its eyes that lead to its beak, and the Egyptian vulture is smaller and has white feathers. [Read More]

Capybaras: The World's Largest Rodent

by Celestia McPark, age 7

Capybaras are similar to beavers but bigger; they are mammals and herbivores. They are peculiar, fascinating creatures, and their scientific name is Hydrochoerus Hydrochaeris.

A capybara's diet consists of different plants. However, azalea, chinaberry, sweetened things, and artificial flavors are toxic to them. Capybaras also graze on aquatic vegetation and grasses. They are the largest rodents in the world, and they are sometimes hunted for their distinctive skin and hair.

Capybaras live in forests, flooded savannas, and wetlands. Some people may mistakenly think that capybaras are amphibians, but they are not; they are semi-aquatic mammals. Their webbed toes help them swim, and their brown, spindly fur dries quickly, allowing them to navigate water spaces. They are native to South America but are invasive in Florida. [Read More]

Small Killers, Big Impact: A Creative Approach to Controlling Deadly Snail Parasites

by Camila Cruz, age 16

When we think of deadly creatures, our minds often gravitate toward large predators. However, the most lethal killers in the natural world happen to be quite small.

Snail parasites are responsible for thousands of deaths annually, having infected nearly 250 million people, primarily in regions across Asia, Africa, and South America. This parasitic disease is known as schistosomiasis, and despite its ease of transmission, it remains relatively unknown. The parasite resides in freshwater environments worldwide, primarily latching onto snails, and waiting for other organisms to enter the water. Once it detects a potential host, it attaches to the skin and burrows into the host's blood vessels, where it can reproduce and live for decades.

Interestingly, it's not the parasite itself but its eggs that cause the infection. These eggs possess sharp barbs that pierce through the host's body, allowing them to return to the water, where they seek out a snail to complete their life cycle. [Read More]

Scientists Discover Fish are Self-Aware

by Jonah Smith, age 14

Humans can recognize their faces in mirrors and photos almost automatically. Ongoing research at Metropolitan University in Japan suggests that fish have the same ability. Being able to recognize your reflection or being self-aware, is an ability usually tied to intelligent animals, such as chimpanzees or humans. Finding this ability in fish suggests that self-awareness might be more common than scientists previously thought.

Previous research at Metropolitan University demonstrated that Bluestreak Cleaner Wrasses can pass a self awareness test using a mirror. To conduct the test, scientists expose an animal to a mirror for a long period of time. Once the animal gets acquainted with its reflection, scientists add a mark somewhere on its body. If the subject were to be self-aware, it would start to touch that spot on its body in hopes of getting rid of that mark. Before this research, only large-brained animals such as apes, dolphins, elephants, and magpies have passed the test.

Failing the mirror test should not be indicative of lack of self awareness. Other animals thought to have large brains, such as monkeys and ravens have not passed. Scientists also wonder if this is an appropriate test for animals who rely on other senses, or ones who don’t care about how they look. As a result of this, it makes it more surprising that a fish can recognize itself. [Read More]

Monarch Butterflies are now on the Red List of Threatened Species

by Hanna Eyobed, age 17

Karen Oberhauser, one of the world’s top experts on monarch butterflies, has always pushed for greater awareness of the risks they face. That’s why she thinks it could be a good thing that monarchs were declared endangered in July. “Certainly it’s negative that monarchs have reached this point where they need to be listed. But it’s positive that they have this recognition and that, hopefully, this will bring more people on board to do what we can to preserve monarchs.”

Madison residents can help by planting the only food migratory monarch butterflies can eat as caterpillars: milkweed. Sam Harrington has been very impactful in the Madison community, she is a climate journalist who began making a difference in 2017, when she decided to put her parents’ lawn in Middleton to use by planting a quarter of an acre with plants native to Wisconsin. She planted species like yellow coneflower, royal catchfly, butterfly weed, and purple prairie clover. She eventually planted over 60 species and documented what was planted, what survived, and what animals they attracted. “It feels like an investment in the future, one that I want to live in, one that’s full of pretty flowers and butterflies and I have a good relationship with the land of the place where I’m from.”

Michelle Martin and her work with Monarch butterflies is another example of local change. In July of 2022, as she was inspecting her milkweed plants in her garden, she spotted a monarch egg. She then proceeded to carefully cut the piece of the leaf off, took the egg into her home, and put it on a fresh milkweed leaf in a habitat made specifically for butterflies. During the process of its birth, Martin was consistent in taking care of the caterpillar by adding fresh milkweed. As time went on she added sticks to the enclosure. The caterpillar hung from a chrysalis and after two weeks it hatched into an adult butterfly. After a couple of days, as the butterfly regained its strength, Martin released it. Martin isn’t the only witness to the butterflies she raises, as she is a teacher who shows this process to her class of two-year-olds at Big Oak Child Care Center in Madison. She understands the importance of nature in the lives of developing children and believes that implementing the process of raising monarch butterflies is transformative. It allows her students to be amazed and respectful of the beauty of nature and gives them a sense of urgency to protect it. [Read More]

Parasite Manipulation Alters Gray Wolf Behavior

by Amare Smith, age 19

There is a parasite called “Toxoplasma gondii” that changes the behaviors of gray wolves. The infected wolves make bolder decisions compared to the uninfected ones. Infected wolves are more prone to taking risks, and therefore there is a higher chance that they will leave their pack, create their own, or kill other wolves.

Research revealed that these parasites can negatively alter the wolves’ fate. For example, wolves leaving their pack or becoming leaders can cause them to starve or fight other wolves more frequently.

After analyzing 26 years' worth of data from 299 wolves in Yellowstone National Park, researchers have found that the cougar is also at high risk of contracting Toxoplasma gondii. It is believed that a feedback loop has been created in which infected wolves lead members of their pack into areas where cougars reside and therefore get more wolves infected. However, more research is needed to confirm this phenomenon. It was also determined that this parasite can control other smaller animals like mice. [Read More]

¿Qué es tan salvaje sobre el gato montés europeo?

por Santiago Rosero Perea, 12 años de edad; traducido por Samuel Garduño Martínez, 16 años de edad

El gato montés europeo es un pequeño felino que se parece mucho a un gato regular de casa, similar al bien conocido gato atigrado domesticado.

Las características de estos gatos son esenciales para su supervivencia. Por ejemplo, sus bigotes y ojos les ayudan con su movimiento y su visión nocturna. Sus ojos están estructurados para capturar la mayor cantidad de luz posible en la oscuridad. Esto significa que pueden ver seis veces mejor que los seres humanos. Estos gatos son conocidos por tener huesos fuertes y sus caninos superiores pueden ser de dos centímetros en longitud. Sus garras son muy útiles cuando se trata de cazar, autodefensa y en muchas otras actividades. De hecho, tienen una garra de “rocío” que permanece escondida en sus patas delanteras.

Esta criatura cautelosa mide 52 a 75 centímetros entre los machos, y 46 a 58 centímetros entre las hembras. Su dieta consiste en conejos, insectos, pequeños reptiles, anfibios, pequeños mamíferos y pájaros. El gato montés europeo puede pesar entre 3 y 8 kilogramos, y puede vivir hasta quince años. [Read More]

The Okapi Is a Unique Relative of the Giraffe

by Aarosh Subedi, age 10

Okapis are mammals that originate and live in the Ituri Rainforest of the Democratic Republic of Congo in Africa. Scientists say this animal looks like a cross between a deer and a zebra. However, its nickname is the “forest giraffe" and it is a relative of the giraffe. The Latin name of an okapi is Okapia Johnstoni.

The okapi is a herbivore and uses its tongue in the same way as the giraffe to get leaves from branches. The diet of an Okapi consists of fruits, buds, leaves, twigs, and other vegetation. Its four stomachs help it digest all of these foods. The tallest an Okapi can grow is around five feet. Due to its brown and white stripes, an Okapi can camouflage to look like streaks of sun shining through the trees in the rainforest.

Okapis can live up to 30 years in captivity and usually weighs 440 to 660 pounds. The International Union for Conservation reports that the Okapi is on the endangered list and scientists are in a race to save them. [Read More]

Wisconsin DNR Drafts New Plan for Wolf Hunt

by Zayn Khalid, age 12

Hunters and animal rights advocates are frustrated with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) because they did not set a standard for wolf hunting. Animal rights advocates want wolf hunting to be illegal, but hunters want to hunt. What will the DNR do?

In the past, it was legal to hunt wolves in Wisconsin. In 2012, former Governor Scott Walker established an annual fall wolf hunt in the state. This hunt has become the biggest argument between animal rights advocates and hunters. Animal rights advocates say that “wolves are too majestic to slaughter,” but hunters say wolves kill farmers' livestock. The DNR paid out more than $3 million from 1985 to 2021 to provide for the loss of farmers’ livestock.

A group called Hunter Nation won a court case forcing the DNR to hold the month of February 2021 for hunting. The outcomes were chaotic as hunters killed 218 wolves in four days, going way past their 119-animal quota. Animal advocates worried that the February hunt decimated the population of wolves, which convinced a Dane County judge to hold off on the annual fall hunt. [Read More]

Exploring the Hidden Lives of Carnivores and the Urgent Need for Conservation

by Daniel Garduno, age 12

When people think of carnivores, they usually think of wolves, bears, and leopards. However, there are lesser-known predators such as weasels, badgers, and skunks.

The definition of a carnivore is an animal that only consumes meat. Carnivores' diets heavily rely on the meat found in their habitat. Without the necessary nutrients, they would eventually starve or die from fatigue. Common foods for these predators include birds, reindeer, fish, frogs, mice, voles, rats, and rabbits.

Wolves, a commonly known carnivore, can be found throughout the Northern Hemisphere, usually in habitats like dense tundras or snowy areas. Wolves travel in packs, which helps them fend off unwanted enemies. When they find a place to live, they claim and mark their territory using scent markings, whining, or howling. This alerts prey and enemies that they are entering wolf territory. Wolf territories can span from 40 to more than 400 square miles. [Read More]

The Mammal that Helped Take Over the Globe

by Ayelen Flores Ruiz, age 12

Researchers have discovered a prehistoric mammal with a two to five years life cycle that they call the Manbearpig. The mammal’s short lifespan is likely due to their months-long pregnancy, a trait scientists believe helped mammals dominate the world after the extinction of the dinosaurs.

The name Manbearpig came from the features it contained: a face like a bear; a body similar to a pig; and five fingered hands. These mammals are also known by their scientific name, Pantolamba bathmodon, and were plant eaters. The Manbearpig lived about 62 million years ago. The Manbearpig was one of the largest mammals of its time and seemed to appear after the dinosaur extinction, which allowed mammals to grow to larger sizes than ever before. It was a member of the placental group of mammals, animals who do their prenatal development in the womb of their mother.

Researchers were able to discover how fast they would grow throughout their life from the enamel of their teeth, which looked different during different life stages. These mammals' lives were short and they died at a younger age than typical animals, between two and five years of life. The Manbearpig had a really short life cycle because it stayed in the womb for about seven months, a pregnancy much longer than is observed in modern marsupials, but similar to extreme modern placentals like giraffes and wildebeests. The most extreme modern placentals are usually walking within hours of birth, and usually only give birth to one baby per litter. This species nursed for one or two months after they were born. In a year, they would reach adulthood. The longest a Manbearpig was found to have lived was 11 years. [Read More]

2.5-Yard Elephant Tusk Fossil Discovered in Israel

by Desteny Alvarez, age 17

Researchers in Israel recently found a 2.5-yard-long fossil that belonged to a long-extinct straight-tusked elephant. It is believed to be the largest fossil ever found at a prehistoric site in the country.

This amazing fossil was discovered near a piece of land called a kibbutz on the central plain running parallel to the Israel’s Mediterranean coast. The discovery was made by researchers from Israel Antiquites Authority (IAA) in a joint excavation from Tel Aviv University and Ben-Gurion University. Avi Levy, lead researcher of the find, called this fossil, “The largest complete fossil tusk ever found at a prehistoric site in Israel or the Near East.” This site is at least 500,000 years old based on the stone tools recovered from the area, the antiquites authorities said.

“Very puzzling, very enigmatic,” said Omry Barzilai, an IAA archaeologist also in the discovery, because it was not known whether ancient people hunted the behemoth on the spot or they brought the animal’s tusk to this spot. [Read More]

Nature's Lumberjacks: How Beavers Shape Ecosystems and Cultivate Harmony

by Dayanis Cruz, age 13

Beavers are one of the greatest engineers in the world. They make improvements to their habitat by creating waterways, dams, and lodges. They can cause conflict with farmers by eating their crops, or by building a lodge near a pond or a river.

A lodge is a dome that is made out of sticks and mud. There are underwater entries that lead to greenery above the water levels. To make a peaceful pond, beavers create dam walls that stop the current of water systems. Many peer groups of beavers share dams for several generations, but sometimes the ponds will fill up with dirt, forcing beavers to find a new location.

Beavers feed and build new lodges in their environment at night. Through winter, they hardly ever emerge from their lodge since it keeps them warm, making it perfect for the winter season. [Read More]

You Can Find the Beautiful Ruby-Throated Hummingbird in Your Own Backyard

by Sofia Zapata, age 12

Have you seen any Ruby-throated Hummingbirds flying in your neighborhood recently? They are commonly seen in Wisconsin, but usually only during the warmer months. The Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are the only breeding hummingbird in eastern North America. In the bright sun, these beautiful, tiny, precision-flying birds sparkle like gems, then dart away to their next food source.

A Ruby-throated Hummingbird has fascinating attributes that make its tiny physical futures unique. Their wings flap up to 55 times a second at a relaxed pace. However, when a hummingbird increases their speed while moving forward, they flap 75 times a second. The wings of this hummingbird aren’t the only things that go at a fast pace. The tiny hearts of these birds beat 225 times per minute and can increase to 1,250 beats per minute. Compared to hummingbirds, the human heart averages from 60-100 bpm. This is to put the physical abilities of the ruby-throated hummingbirds into perspective.

Hummingbirds are the only birds that are able to fly backward. This species is one of the biggest aerial migrators. During their migration season, they travel across the Gulf of Mexico, and it takes them around 18 hours to fully cross. Once they arrive at a safe place, they create a nest that is the same size as a small walnut. A fun fact about the male hummingbird is that it weighs the same as a penny. Male hummingbirds begin to mate during spring by flying and chasing their mate. Afterward, when the nest is made in a tree, the females will begin to lay around two eggs. [Read More]

Nature’s “Vacuum Cleaner:” The Matamata

by Aarosh Subedi, age 10

The matamata lives in South America and is part of the turtle family. The matamata lives in the northern part of South America, in Brazil, Venezuela, but can sometimes be found in northern Bolivia, Ecuador, eastern Peru, Colombia, the Guianas, and Trinidad. They are about 18 inches in length and weigh around five to six pounds. Other than eating fish, they eat small birds and small mammals. This particular species lives up to 30 years.

Scientists compare this species to a vacuum cleaner, because it swallows its food rather than chews it. Camouflage is a common hunting tactic for the matamata. When in hunting position, it looks like an unassuming mossy rock in the water. They have fleshy appendages close to their mouths that look like weeds hanging and can act as a lure for fish. The nose on the matamata acts as a snorkel, allowing them to breathe air while they wait for food to approach so they can swallow it whole.

The word matamata is a phrase in a Native language that means “I kill” and its scientific name is Chelus fimbriatus which means fringed turtle. A matamata’s neck is almost the size of its back. In comparison, if the same were true for humans, our necks would be about three feet long. The matamata is one of the turtle species that breathes air, unlike other turtle species who get oxygen from water. [Read More]

Native Asian Moth Spotted in Washington State

by Justin Medina Ruiz, age 13

On July 7, 2022, a giant moth with a ten-inch wingspread was discovered in a garage of a home in the state of Washington. Thankfully, the moth species does not pose a public health threat. The Atlas moth originates from the tropical forests of Asia and has not been seen before in the U.S.

It is not clear how this moth found a way to get to Washington. However, scientists found on eBay, an e-commerce company, an account selling Atlas moth cocoons for $60 each. This account was later taken down because the Atlas moth is a quarantine pest, meaning it is illegal to obtain, sell, or harbor, no matter if they are adults, eggs, larvae, or pupae.

In spite of that, the individual sighting does not mean that there is a population of the Atlas in the U.S. The state’s agriculture department asks the public to take photographs and collect Atlas moths if they find one. This would help determine whether there is a population or not. If there were an infestation, it would be harmful to the region’s fruit-growing industry because like other moths and caterpillars, they enjoy feasting on the leaves of cherry and apple trees. [Read More]

Will the Tasmanian Tiger Roam the Earth Once More?

by Sandy Flores-Ruíz, age 16

For the past years —scientists have thought about reviving extinct species. Scientists in Australia and the U.S. have recently started a multi-million dollar project to bring back the Tasmanian tiger from extinction.

The stripes on the back of the Thylacine gave its nickname of “Tasmanian Tiger,” despite the animal being a marsupial, a type of Australian mammal that raises its young in a pouch, like a kangaroo, instead of a tiger.

The Tasmanian tiger went extinct in 1936 when the last known tiger, Thylacine, died in the Hobart Zoo. Years before humans arrived in Australia, these tigers roamed free. However, once humans started to populate Australia, the population of these tigers decreased. The last known tigers to roam free on the island of Tasmania were then hunted to extinction. [Read More]

The Critically Endangered Giant Ibis Faces the Risk of Extinction

by Leilani McNeal, age 17

Hunting, habitat disturbance, and deforestation are all activities that may change the natural adaptations of various bird species. This means the chance of extinction continues to grow, and in the process, birds would begin to look and act differently.

In an effort to bridge an understanding between the biodiversity crisis and the wide range of bird species, the Current Biology journal published an extensive study that examines variously distinctive avian species and their survivorship rates. As a whole, the global extinction crisis surpasses not only the loss of species but will also result in fewer specialized features that have driven birds’ life strategies and way of living, according to Dr. Emma Hughes, lead author of the study and UK ecologist at the University of Sheffield.

Hughes and her team cross-examined the physical traits of birds and the evolutionary variances between species, known as phylogenetic diversity, across nearly 8,500 bird species. This segued into a process of eliminating birds from most to least threatened. [Read More]

Researchers Discover Significant Drop in Animal Population

by Jonah Smith, age 14

Exploring the sea is something that most of us don’t think about, but it’s important to understand the dangers of it as well as see how it can be successfully accomplished.

A common danger is running out of oxygen. This may happen because the diver has gone too far down underwater and does not have enough time to return to the surface. Another massive danger is underwater pressure, which can crush and kill the diver. This may happen because the pressure is so high that it crushes the bathysphere, an old kind of submarine that was used throughout the 1930s.

William Bebee was a man on a mission to break many records, especially those in the science field. William was born in Brooklyn, New York in the late 1870s, and in the 1930s he began breaking records in New York Zoos. In 1934, he set the record for the deepest bathysphere descent at a depth of 3,028 feet. At the time many believed it was a bad idea. [Read More]

Scientists Say Invasive Species of Crayfish Might Leave Wisconsin on its Own

by Lah’Nylah Bivens, age 15

The rusty crayfish appeared in Wisconsin 50 years ago. Since this crayfish is not native to Wisconsin it is considered an invasive species. The rusty crayfish pushed native crayfish out of their dens and ate the native aquatic plants, causing harm to the lakes. This harmed the local spawning grounds, leaving fish unprotected.

Rusty crayfish may have found their way to Wisconsin by traveling in buckets to be used as bait. These crayfish are native to Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, and the streams of the Ohio River Basin states. They also can be found in New Mexico, Northeastern states, areas in Ontario, Canada, and states surrounding Wisconsin.

Crayfish reproduce at alarming rates due to the female rusty crayfish laying around 80 to 575 eggs at a time. It takes about three to six weeks, depending on the temperature of the water, for the eggs to hatch. Scientists have studied these crayfish over the years and have found that the population can die off naturally. Due to destroying their own habitats and fungal diseases, recent studies have shown that the rusty crayfish population has dropped to zero. [Read More]

The Fascinating World of Zebras and Their Unique Survival Strategies

by Bruno Torres, age 7

Zebras are fascinating creatures that look similar to horses, however, they are special as each zebra has its unique stripe pattern!

To remain safe, zebras live in family groups called herds. Baby zebras are called foals when they are born. These creatures are impressive, when a foal is 20 minutes old, it can start walking! An hour after birth, it learns the ability to run. Zebra foals need to run since many predators are trying to eat them.

Zebras are found in several areas of Africa. They grow to be the size of a small horse and are good at avoiding predators by confusing them with their stripes. [Read More]

Scientists Attempt to Bring Back the Extinct Dodo Species Amidst Controversy

by Zayn Khalid, age 13

Maybe you have heard of scientists trying to bring back certain animals from extinction. The dodo bird is the newest focus of this effort by scientists.

Colossal Bioscience is a genetic engineering and reproductive technology company. Colossal Bioscience first started the project to revive extinct species two years ago. They first focused on the wooly mammoth, but the company now also focuses on bird-related genetic technologies too. The last dodo bird was killed in 1681 on the Indian Ocean Island of Mauritius.

Colossal Bioscience’s project to bring back extinct animals caught the attention of many investors, but some scientists have doubts about it. The project won’t directly make money, but the genetic tools and equipment the company will build and use will ultimately benefit other projects, making the investments beneficial. [Read More]

If You Love Big Cats, You'll Love the Maine Coon

by Thea Kaufman, age 10

Maine Coon Cats are sweet, friendly, and helpful with stress. They are known for their thick fur, adaptation to cold weather, and paws that allow them to walk through thick snowbanks.

The longest Maine Coon Cat, named Stewie (Mymains Stewart Gilligan) earned the title of longest cat on August 28, 2010, at 48.5 inches from his nose to tail. Additionally, he won the record for longest tail, at 6.34 inches. Stewie was certified as a therapy animal who often visited senior centers. Unfortunately, he passed away in 2013, and a cat named Barivel took the record at 47.2 inches. Compared to other cat breeds, Maine Coon Cats are very long and tend to set world records. They are not spread out while being measured; they are just sitting and waiting. However, in some pictures, the cat may be spread out to show how long it is.

Everyone originally thought that Maine Coon Cats got their thick, fluffy tail and fur by mating with raccoons. This was because these cats also have big tails and the “coon” part in their names; however, Maine coon cats are not related to raccoons. [Read More]

The Unique Sea Slug Eats Sunlight for Breakfast

by Evelyn Jakubczak, age 13

The leaf slug, also known as a sea sheep or sea slug, is one of the very few animals to photosynthesize – a process in which plants or in this case, animals, convert light into glucose.

As a species of the sacoglossa, the sea sheep feeds on algae. It does a process called kleptoplasty, this occurs when animals embed chloroplasts from food into their bodies, and keeps the chloroplasts from plants in the tissues of its cerata for up to ten days. The sea sheep gets these chloroplasts from a type of algae called avrainvilla, a paddle-shaped seaweed with a silky texture. Avrainvilla is found in areas with soft surfaces, such as silt or sand. This is not only the sea sheep’s food, but also its home. This plant is found just outside coral reefs.

Sea sheep are known to have beady black eyes and rhinophores, a nose used to detect chemicals, food, and potential mates in the water, with black tips like sheep ears. Cerata are leaflike appendages, sort of like an aloe vera plant, on the back of the sea sheep. The sea sheep stores chloroplast, received by munching on Avrainvillea, in its body. It lets the sea sheep’s body soak up sunlight, turning it into energy, also giving the sea sheep its green color. [Read More]

Unusual Orange Shark Discovered Near Costa Rica

by Ruben Becerril, age 13

On the coast of Costa Rica, a group of sport fishers caught a nurse shark, but there was something off about this shark: it was orange.

Nurse sharks are gray-brown, slow-moving, bottom-dwelling fish found in warm, shallow waters of the western Atlantic and eastern Pacific oceans. Nurse sharks typically range between 7.5 and 9.75 feet long, but in rare cases, they can reach up to 14 feet long. These sharks weigh between 200 and 330 pounds. They also have barbels, fleshy appendages that hang below their nostrils, helping them hunt for prey. Unlike normal fish, they don’t need to constantly swim to breathe. Nurse sharks also don’t have typical shark teeth. Instead, they have a jaw and small teeth that allow them to generate suction to capture prey, and the ability to crunch on hard shells like crustaceans.

While nurse sharks are fairly common in the Caribbean Sea, the oddity of an orange shark intrigued scientists. The shade of orange was an obvious sign of xanthism, a rare condition that increases yellow pigmentation in the skin. Marioxis Macías-Cuyare, the study lead author at the Federal University of Rio Grande, said researchers were intrigued to see evidence of xanthism in this species. The shark also showed signs of albinism, which may have contributed to its bright color. [Read More]

The Burrowing Owl Nests Underground

by Yiyou Pan, age 7

Burrowing Owls have special abilities to help them survive. At night, these birds use their bright yellow eyes and ability to camouflage to find prey. Burrowing owls are typically seen on early mornings or late evenings.

Female Burrowing Owls are larger than males. This is because they have to protect their babies from predators attacking their nests, which is where the babies are located. They use human made materials like buckets, pipes, tubing, and so much more! Burrowing Owls live in grassland, deserts, and other habitats that have many insects and rodents they can eat.

Burrowing Owls have sandy brown wings and breasts. They also have white under their tails, throats, and eyebrows, along with tan colored beaks. These owls spend most of their time underground in burrows. They dig their own burrows or sometimes steal from Prairie dogs or badgers. [Read More]

Pollinators Are Essential for the Environment

by Jordan Bufford, age 13

A pollinator is an insect or small animal that helps move one part of a flower to another. Fertilizing a plant helps make seeds, fruits, and new plants. Some plants can even pollinate themselves by using wind and water to transfer pollen grains through one part of the flower to the other.

Pollinators add $217 billion to the global economy. Honey bees play a big role themselves, being responsible for more than $20 billion of crop production globally. Pollinators altogether are more important than we think. Almost 75% of plants on Earth are pollinated by insects and animals. This also comes out as 1,200 food crops and 180,000 plants that help stabilize our soil, clean our air, give us oxygen, and support wildlife. Honey bees contribute between $1.2 and $5.4 billion $20 billion in the U.S.

Although pollinators have been beneficial over the years, their populations have decreased due to pollution. Pollution and changes in climate patterns shift and shrink the pollinator populations. [Read More]

The Adorable Black-Eyed Tree Frog Lives in South America

by Alarice McPark, age 13

With its black, beady eyes and diminutive size, the black-eyed tree frog has its merits of cuteness. Unfortunately, they are ambiguous and endangered due to several reasons.

The black-eyed tree frog, also known as the Morelet’s tree frog, inhabits Central and South America and occupies its humid forests. Black-eyed tree frogs are nocturnal, meaning they are active during nighttime. Their prey includes various insects like flies, ants, and crickets. Black-eyed tree frogs also consume other small invertebrates. But during their tadpole stage, they are herbivores and dine on small, aquatic plants.

Black-eyed tree frogs have long legs, toe pads, and a small body. They have a vivid green color, a light-colored underbelly, orange webbed feet, and their distinctive black eyes give them their name. Male black-eyed tree frogs grow up to 2.3 inches and females grow up to 2.6 inches. As tadpoles, black-eyed tree frogs have a black color, sturdy body, and a tail that helps with swimming. [Read More]

The Comb Jelly: An Animal Without a Brain

by Atisse Robins, age 14

Comb jellies, which belong to the family of ctenophores, are often confused with

jellyfish. However, they belong to an entirely separate group and also have their own unique features.

Comb jellies are gelatinous marine animals that live in oceans. They beat in coordinated waves in a shimmering motion. When light hits their cilia it makes a rainbow like color, making it look magical. Genetic studies suggest that comb jellies may be the oldest lingering animals on earth. They lack both a brain and a nervous system, making them interesting to many scientists. [Read More]

Learn All About the Sand Cat

by Tajha Holthaus, age 11

Sand cats are small and well adapted cats that are widely found in the desert. This special kind of cat can go for days, even weeks, without water. Instead, they get the moisture from their prey. Sand cats are mainly nocturnal; although they are not typical cats, they rest in underground burrows and hunt during the night. Unfortunately, people will capture sand cats and keep them as pets.

Sand cats are a sandy gray color, and their heads are sandy brown with large yellow eyes. Their bodies are about 22 inches long, but their tails add about 14 inches. They can weigh between three and eight pounds.

Sand cats live in the deserts of Northern Africa and Central Asia, Iran, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. They also live in sandy, rocky deserts with little water. They eat birds, small rodents, and snakes. Sand cats have very sensitive feet, which help them detect prey underground. They have long hair that covers their paws to protect them from the heat. Additionally, their sandy color fur allows them to camouflage with the desert environment and capture prey easily. [Read More]

Civets: Cat-Like, but Not Cats

by Riya Adhikari, age 14

Although people call civets “civet cats,” civets are not cats. Civets are animals that have an appearance similar to a cat, but with a longer muzzle. Their teeth and jaws are less powerful than our domesticated feline friends. Civets also have tufts of fur on their lower jaw, five toes on their hind feet, and shorter legs.

These creatures belong to the family Viverridae, one of the most ancient families in Feliformia, which means ‘cat-like’ creatures. Some animals similar to them are linsangs, genets, binturongs, oyans, and red pandas. Similar to civets, they can be found in Asia and Africa.

Civets are typically nocturnal and solitary. They hide in holes or in dense undergrowth during the day. Civets are shy creatures, so they freeze when feeling threatened and then quietly slip away. When stressed, the fur along their backs stands up, which makes them look larger and more intimidating to predators or intruders. [Read More]

The Busy Lives of Bees

by Dessa Sayu, age 7

Bees are fascinating insects that are essential to our ecosystem. They help with pollination. Bees make honey by passing the nectar from mouth to mouth until the sugar breaks down into honey. There are three main types of bees: bumblebees, stingless bees, and honeybees.

There are 20,000 different bee species carved on Egyptian tombs. Egyptians kept bees in clay hives about 2,500 years ago to harvest the bees' honey. A bee was the symbol of life for Egyptians.

Bumblebees are one of the largest species of bees. Their wings are too small for their bodies, making it harder for them to fly. Brown bumblebees have unusually long tongues. Stingless bees live in hot, tropical countries near the equator. These bees are tiny with bodies only 1/16 inches in length. Honeybees live in nests made by worker bees. However, to get more honey, people sometimes make artificial nests called hives. [Read More]

Seahorses Use Their Snouts as Tiny Vacuums

by Yemariam Bekele, age 10

Did you know sea horses got their name because their head is shaped like a land horse? Seahorses can be as small as an M&M. They are between 0.6 and 14 inches, and weigh up to 200 grams. Seahorses are ambush predators that use their tube-shaped snouts, like powerful vacuums, to capture hundreds of tiny meals in a single day. Seahorses do not have stomachs; this is why they have to eat many tiny meals during the day. Their meals are made up of small crustaceans.

Seahorses live near the coast or in warm tropical waters. They swim among plants such as seaweed. There are about 50 seahorse species including the spiny seahorse and the short snouted seahorse, which live near the UK and Ireland.

Seahorses use a brood pouch to reproduce. Females make the eggs and put them in the male’s brood pouch. Incubation lasts up to 45 days, and they can live up to five years. [Read More]

The Largest Moth in the World Inhabits Tropical Rainforests

by Bridgett Park, age 12

The atlas moth, also known as Attacus atlas in scientific terms, is a moth found in Southeast Asia and is the largest moth in the world. They are found in tropical rainforests of Asia, having only two seasons—dry and wet, so these moths don’t have to migrate to other places, and these tropical rainforests have consistent, warm weather. The countries where atlas moths can be found include: India, China, Vietnam, Taiwan, Indonesia, Brunei, the Philippines, and Papua New Guinea.

Like many other insects, like praying mantis and love bugs, female atlas moths are bigger than males. The adult female’s body length is 39 to 40 mm, while the adult male’s is 30 to 36 mm. The wingspan is 240 mm-250 mm for females, while it is 210 mm-230 mm for males. The adult mouthparts are usually absent and non-functioning.

These moths have rounded vibrant wings. The base of their wing is deep orange, soft brown, or a reddish brown patterned with colors of white, black, and pink. A large white hyaline (glassy) spot is at the center of each wing. The edges of the upper wing resemble the head of a snake. [Read More]

The Dramatic Hognose Snake Likes to Play Dead

by Coraline Esme Simkins, age 10

There is a snake species considered to be very dramatic. This species is known as the hognose snake. The Hognose's scientific name is Heterodon platirhinos. Hognoses are very popular for their theatrical defense. When they are threatened, they flatten their heads and wiggle their tails to resemble a rattlesnake. The hognose might even strike, but they won't actually bite. Although they are mildly venomous, they only use their venom to hunt.

If acting like a rattlesnake doesn't work, hognose snakes will flip over, open their mouth, and stick out their tongues to play dead. They can even throw up their food and release a putrid odor. Sometimes they will pop a blood vessel to look like they are bleeding. The hognose will stay there and wiggle until it knows you are not a threat.

A female hognose lays a clutch of 15 to 27 eggs, which can take up to two months to hatch. They can grow up to 20 or 30 inches long, and some can reach 46 inches. [Read More]

Small Jellyfish Invade California Coastline

by Bridgett Park, age 12

Moon jellies are small, vibrant jellyfish that live in the epipelagic zone, the shallowest layer of the ocean. However, these small jellyfish are posing issues for the sea.

Moon jellies are found along coasts and in areas where nutrients, such as exoplankton, are abundant. Moon jellies are not very strong swimmers, so they rely on the tides after storms to travel. They are found worldwide in temperate and tropical waters. During the summer, they are found primarily on the lower Chesapeake Bay off the coast of Virginia.

Their life cycles are a combination of sexual and asexual reproduction, which is very common for jellyfish. After fertilization, a larva hatches and searches for a suitable place to attach itself to grow into a polyp. During the polyp phase, it reproduces asexually by cloning itself. Each clone eventually detaches, then becomes a medusae, and grows into a sexually mature moon jelly. [Read More]

The Haunting Beauty of the Blue Morpho Butterfly

by Delia Moreno, age 8

Do you know that blue morpho butterflies are the largest butterflies in the world? These butterflies have wings that can be five to eight inches long. These butterflies can live up to 115 days and they spend most of their time eating and reproducing.

Female butterflies are typically brown or yellow, while males are bright blue. A bright blue glow is found only on the upper side of their wings, while they are black and brown underneath. Their shiny wings become super bright when traveling in swarms, so travelers shield their eyes when encountering them.

Blue morpho butterflies change their diet throughout every stage of their lifecycle. Artists and collectors come from all over the world to see and collect them. When it is a caterpillar, it chews on many different kinds of leaves. When it is a butterfly, it can no longer chew and can only drink nectar. Blue morphos can smell with their antennas and taste with their feet. They can also taste and smell simultaneously using their antennas. [Read More]

The Giant Anteater Eats Exactly What You'd Expect

by Edna Torres, age 7

Have you ever wondered where anteaters get their name from? Anteaters are animals named for their unique purpose: eating insects.

Anteaters are known for tracking down insects, especially ants and termites, and eating them with their long, sticky tongue. Anteaters have an interesting body; they are closely related to sloths and armadillos. They all have long skulls and no teeth. Their eyes, brains, and mouths are tiny compared to those of animals of their size. Despite this, anteaters have a really long tongue, which is 23.6 inches long, and their bodies weigh between 44 and 86 pounds.

Anteaters have a fluffy tail that serves many purposes depending on the time of day. In the morning, it helps them by providing shade, and at night, it protects them from predators and serves as camouflage. Anteaters have dense hair around their entire body to protect them from ant bites. Their long nose is very sensitive. They also have five claws; two of the five claws on each forefoot are four inches long, and they use them to get inside ant and termite nests. The anteaters walk on their knuckles because of their long claws. [Read More]

The Bison Is an Iconic Symbol of the American West

by Bruno Torres, age 10

The American bison is a popular animal in North America characterized by its strong body, humps, horns, and coat.

Bison live in many unique places such as the high plains of North America and Alaska. There are also many bison located in the Rocky Mountains of Canada. Bison consume grass, herbs, leaves, shoots, and bark. Their hoof is a big hand that helps them pick up small food. The bison can weigh between 1,000 and 2,205 pounds, which is comparable to the size of a car.

Bison have huge, bulky forequarters, massive heads and lean hindquarters. They are good at running at high speed. The hump is a thick pad of body tissues covering bony outgrowths from the spine. Both genders have big horns that are sharp and can defeat other bulls. The bulls have thick fur to help them stay warm during winter. During the summer, their fur sheds. Some bulls have to fight over females when the breeding season comes around [Read More]

The Okapi: Congo's Mysterious “Forest Giraffe”

by Thea Kaufman, age 10

Did you know the giraffe has a close genetic relative? Known as the “forest giraffe,” the okapi resembles a cross between a zebra and a deer. The only place they can be found is the Ituri Rainforest in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Okapis' diet consists of buds, leaves, twigs, and some other plants. They also eat clay, possibly as a source of salt and other minerals. They have four different stomachs that help them digest tough plants. An okapi eats between 45 and 60 pounds of food every day.

Okapis are not very friendly and like to nap. They camouflage in the forest with their reddish-brown to black coats. Their big ears pick up the slightest sounds coming from any direction. They listen for leopards and any other small cats. They have really long tongues, which can get up to 18 inches. [Read More]

Two Spiky Brothers Move Into Madison's Zoo

by Gerard Sanchez, age 10

Two new porcupines are living in Madison, Wisconsin. Brothers Hami and Nugget have officially moved into the Henry Vilas Zoo!

They are a special type of porcupine called a cape porcupine. This species of porcupine can grow striped and hollow quills that are up to 12 inches long! They tend to live in the rocky areas of central and southern Africa and are the largest rodent in Africa! Underneath their quills, cape porcupines are not all that big.

Cape porcupines' long quills serve as a defensive mechanism and help these creatures look larger and scarier than they are. These porcupines shake their quills when they feel threatened and make a loud, hissing sound. The cape porcupine’s quills are sharp and made of keratin, which is the same protein that composes human hair and nails. [Read More]

Baby White Rhino Named Nova Brings Hope for Conservation

by Isabella Flores Gonzalez, age 7

A baby white rhino was born in Belgium and named Nova, marking a significant moment for conservation efforts. She was first shown to the public in February 2024.

After her birth, the calf was cared for by the zoo staff. Although Nova was initially nervous, her mother’s presence made her feel at ease.

White rhinos are very large animals and eat about 120 pounds of grass per day. The southern white rhino lives in South Africa and can live up to 50 years. Even though they are called white rhinos, they are usually not white but tend to be gray or brown. They can survive up to five days without drinking water and five to seven days without food. White rhinos are the largest rhino species, growing 12 to 15 feet from head to tail. There are two types of white rhinos, including northern white rhinos and southern white rhinos. [Read More]

Capybaras Are the World’s Largest Rodents

by Delia Moreno, age 7

Capybaras are the largest rodents in the world. They can be found in Southern and Central America inside rainforests and near ponds, rivers, and lakes.

Capybaras are semi-aquatic animals. They grow up to 1.5 feet tall by the shoulder, 4 feet in length, and weigh around 75-150 lbs. Water is important to capybaras because it helps them hide from predators such as jaguars, anacondas, caimans, pumas, and ocelots. Their webbed feet help them move and relocate easily in the water. They eat grass and aquatic plants. Capybaras also eat their droppings, which is an activity called coprophagy.

They live in small groups of about 10-20 capybaras. The dominant male has several advantages, such as staying in the middle of the herd while subordinate males guard the perimeter. He also mates with all the females in the group. Baby capybaras take five months to grow. Capybaras have four to five pups at a time. They are fed by all the mothers in the group, and they are bad swimmers at first, which means they have to hide from predators. [Read More]

Scientists Clone 13,000-year-old Wolf Species

by Will DeFour, age 15

Thousands of years ago, dire wolves were the apex predators of North America. With white fur and a large, muscular build, they could take down the behemoths of the Ice Age. They went extinct long ago, but scientists at Colossal Biosciences are using gene editing technology to recreate something not seen in over 13,000 years, a species they call “dire wolves.”

Colossal was founded in Dallas in 2021, with grand plans to “de-extinct” the Tasmanian tiger, dodo bird, and legendary woolly mammoth. Colossal uses a gene editing technology called CRISPR to make this possible. Their co-founder and head of genetics, George Church, developed the first genomic sequencing technique and helped innovate stem cell engineering and genome editing. He is now a professor at Harvard and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Colossal employs over 130 scientists and is valued at $10.2 billion. This value is mainly due to their first great scientific leap, the de-extinction of the dire wolf. [Read More]

These Long-Necked Antelope Stand Tall in the Wild

by Lucas Abiy, age 8

Gerenuks are not your typical antelope. This species has distinguishable long necks, legs, horns, and large eyes.

In Somali ,the word gerenuk means giraffe-necked. Unlike other four-legged creatures, these unique antelope often dine on two legs. Gerenuks feed on leaves from high places such as high bushes, shrubs, blooms, and shoots. Gerenuks have specialized backbones that help them stand on two legs. They can also reach up to six feet on four feet making them really tall. They can reach things that other animals can’t reach.

Gerenuks live in East Africa in the countries of Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia, and Northern Tanzania. They prefer to live on semi-arid bush land and dry deserts. They avoid dense forests and open grasslands. Where they can’t see predators from far away. [Read More]

April 7th Is International Beaver Day

by Ermiyas Abiy, age 9

Beavers are very important, so important, in fact, there is a worldwide celebration for them. These creatures make the environment better by making wetlands and watersheds cleaner.

Beavers are native to North America, Asia, and Europe. They are the second largest rodent, right behind capybaras. Beavers can be found throughout almost all of North America, including Wisconsin.

These creatures live in places like marshes, streams, and other wetlands. They sometimes build their homes partially underwater. They do this so they can be safe from predators because of the underwater entrance. [Read More]

From Toys for the Rich, to Tools of Conservation, Zoos Have a Long and Storied History

by Nae McNeail, age 13

People have kept animals in zoos for more than a thousand years. Wealthy people created the first zoos, called menageries, which were private collections to display power. Zoos later became a place for the public to learn about animals, and today serve many purposes, including preserving and studying endangered species.

The word ‘zoo’ comes from ‘zoological park,’ and the first modern zoo was built in 1793 in Paris, France. Earlier zoos resembled museums with live animals in their natural habitat. In the 18th century, during the Age of Enlightenment, public zoos grew in popularity. This was a time in European history when scientific knowledge was emphasized by many leaders. This also applied to zoology, the study of animal behavior. Zookeepers had to care for animals in order for scientists to conduct research on their behavior and anatomy. Zoos serve as educational resources that help humans see how animals live.

Not all zoos are the same. For example, Urban zoos are commonly found in larger cities. There is little room for these zoos to expand since they are in the middle of cities. The tight space means that often, animals are kept in small enclosures. Some argue that keeping animals in urban zoos is cruel due to the habitat conditions, noise, and pollution. [Read More]

Discovering the World of Rays: From Manta Rays to Electric Rays

by Jeronimo Rosero, age 9

Rays are interesting creatures that have been around for 150 million years. They are calm animals but when you disturb them, they can attack using their venomous spines or barbs on their tails. There are various types of rays including stingrays, manta rays, butterfly rays, and electric rays.

Manta Rays are very large animals and can reach widths of up to seven meters. These creatures migrate across the oceans in groups as large as 10,000 individuals.

Stingrays are another unique type of ray. The stingray has jelly-filled canals on its face that give it an electromagnetic sense, called the ampullae of Lorenzini. This sense helps it search for food and detect other animals' electrical signals. Their diet consists of fish, snails, and other small crustaceans. There are many species of rays, about 539, and many of them are considered threatened. [Read More]

Water Can't Stop this Mighty Galapagos Lizard!

by Bruno Torres, age 8

Marine iguanas are interesting creatures. They have many resources to help them survive in the wild. They can grow up to four feet in length and weigh up to 28 pounds. They eat seaweed and small marine animals. These iguanas can have two to three eggs, which they bury on the beach to hatch. What is even cooler is that marine iguanas can live up to 20 - 40 years.

These clever iguanas have tough and scaly skin, which helps protect them against rocks. The claws of the iguana are extra long and strong to help them maintain balance on slippery rocks while they eat.

Marine iguanas have spiky spines extending along their backs and tails. They also have very sharp three-cusped teeth that help them chew their way through springy seaweed. [Read More]

The Asiatic Lion Is One of Earth’s Rarest Big Cat Species

by Mahalia Pearson, age 13

When people envision lions, they typically think they are from Africa, but lions can be found in different geographical areas around the world such as India, one example being the Asiatic lion. The Asiatic lion is one of the rarest types of cat species. Not only is it called an Asiatic lion, but it is also referred to as the Persian lion.

The coat of this carnivore consists of many colors such as black, dark brown, sandy, and gray. The Asiatic lion is smaller than the well-known African lion and has a short, sparse, and dark mane that makes its ears more visible compared to the African lion. Another distinction is that the Asiatic lion has a longitudinal fold of skin that goes along its belly.

The Asiatic lion lived in habitats ranging from Turkey and across Asia to Eastern India. Unfortunately, this creature has been hunted down to the point of near extinction. Currently, these lions are prone to diseases, disaster, and potential poaching. They also have to deal with the consequences of a growing population of humans and cattle. With larger human populations that demand more land for agriculture and settlement, the habitats of these lions are slowly disappearing. [Read More]

The Warm-Blooded Giant that Ruled Ancient Seas

by Dayanara Flores Gonzalez, age 16

Did you know there was once a shark three times larger than a great white Shark? This shark was an Otodus megalodon, a massive ancestor of sharks that grew to be 66 feet long. Its blood was warmer in comparison to that of great white sharks. Its body temperature was about 13 degrees Celsius, which was warmer than seawater. Their warm-bloodedness may have contributed to their success and eventual fall as creatures in the past.

Megalodons were one of the world's most giant carnivores. They ate meat to gain energy and often obtained food from consuming large marine mammals. Their warm-bloodedness may have helped them become swift and aggressive apex predators. Specifically, the O. megalodon's body temperature would have allowed it to swim further and faster, which increases the chances of it finding its prey. However, this trait likely also led to the shark's enormous appetite and diet, potentially creating a risk for the species as environments change. Large creatures with warm blood require lots of food to fuel their metabolism. In an environment with scarce resources and food, this could become a problem, especially for apex predators.

The O. megalodon evolved around 23 million years ago; they went extinct between 3.5 million and 2.6 million years ago. This was around the same time when great white sharks emerged, around 3.5 million years ago. Competition between these two species likely drove megalodons towards extinction, especially when food became scarce. Additionally, scientists suspect that climate change during the Pliocene Epoch, lasting from 5.3 million to 2.6 million years ago, also led to drastic megalodon decline as marine mammals faded. Great white sharks, being smaller in size, likely needed less food to survive, thus allowing them to live past megalodons. [Read More]

Wisconsin Wonders, The Great Egret's Migration Journey

by Lina Al’Quraishi, age 9

One of the first things people notice about the Great Egret is its long neck, but there is more to know about it besides its heron-like features. The bird's body is mainly white with black legs. They have bright yellow bills with some green coloration extending from the bill to the eyes. They can also have bright yellow eyes with big black pupils.

Great Egrets eat a variety of foods. When they hunt, they will eat anything they can fit into their mouths to survive. This typically includes small mammals, frogs, small fish, and more.

The Great Egret is the largest egret species. They live on Mexico's coasts and in South and Central America all year round. In the spring, they make their way to northern regions – Wisconsin, Iowa, and other parts of the midwest – where they breed in shallow water, ponds, artificial lakes, and canals. [Read More]

Red Flour Beetles Have Unconventional Water-Drinking Abilities

by Dayanara Flores Gonzalez, age 15

Did you know that some beetles can drink water from their butts?

Water vapor from the air condenses on feces inside the red flour beetle's lower gut. This water is then drawn into the beetle’s body by a special cell lining the gut. This mechanism was studied by Kenneth Halberg, who leads his research at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark. Halberg studies how hormones work in different kinds of beetles, and he believes this research could aid in pesticide design.

Red flour beetles have a gene known as Nha1. The gene is more active in cells that are part of the rectal complex of the digestive system. Halberg’s team found that the gene Nha1 in beetles can lead to the accumulation of charged potassium particles. This buildup triggers a process called osmosis where water moves towards an area with a high concentration of ions. This process is especially critical for the beetle as it allows for water to be pulled through the walls of the insect’s rectal complex into the rest of their body for circulation. Researchers figured out that red flour beetles open their anuses in high humidity when there is more water vapor in the air. This draws more water into the rectal complex and eventually into body circulation. [Read More]

Do Dolphins Use 'Baby Talk'? Examining Whistle Communication in Bottlenose Dolphins

by Dulce Vazquez, age 15

Typically, when adults speak to babies they use a high-pitched baby voice. Did you know dolphins do the same?

Bottlenose dolphin moms modify their whistles when their newborns are nearby. Similarly, baby bottlenose dolphins also start creating a unique tune or whistle in their first few weeks and can continue doing so for up to a couple of months. “Dolphins shout their names in water as a way to keep track of each other,” marine biologist Laela Sayigh from Massachusetts said.

Sayigh and her students published a large study in 2009 that examined 40 unique whistles from 19 female dolphins. The researchers discovered that mom dolphins appear to adjust their tune when their calves are present. Calves stay with their moms from three to six years, creating mother-baby bonds. [Read More]

Wolf Pack Dynamics: Leaders, Territories, and Survival

by Marco Gonzales, age 9

A male and a female alpha are the head of a wolf pack. They decide what to do for their packs’ survival. A pack is a group of wolves with six to 15 members who vary in age. The pack is blood related and they have offspring.

Wolves do not fight within their pack but they are very territorial. They mark their territory and if a member from another pack trespasses into their area, they will attack and kill them.

Alphas have a dominant and forceful personality. Other wolves in the pack are more submissive. Once the pack's leader is old, young adult wolves will move up the ranks and replace previous positions in the pack. [Read More]

The Pink Amazon River Dolphin Faces Growing Environmental Threats

by Dani Garduño, age 12

When people think of animals in the Amazon, most usually think of pythons, toucans, or parrots. Yet, fewer people know about the Amazon River dolphin. The Amazon River dolphin is a strange-looking dolphin that has an effective way of navigating the Amazon River. This dolphin is found in South America up to the basins of the Orinoco River as well as in the northern part of the Madeira River.

The Amazon River dolphin has a unique body that can grow up to two or three meters long. They usually weigh up to 140-160 kilograms. What makes these dolphins unique is their color-changing skin that varies with their age. At a young age, their skin color is usually gray. However, when they start to mature, they begin to turn pink. These dolphins' eyes are small, yet their eyesight is very bold. Their beak is very long and is designed to hunt prey. Other dolphins have uniform dorsal fins and fin sizes, but the Amazon River dolphins do not have one. Instead, they have a hump that grows larger as they age.

Unfortunately, the average lifespan of the Amazon River dolphin in the wild is only expected to reach up to 33 months. Surprisingly, records have indicated a much higher life expectancy of those living in captivity, and in some cases, these dolphins have lived between 10 to 33 years. [Read More]

Meet the Rare Asiatic Cheetah

by Allison Wallace, age 11

There are currently only 30 Asiatic cheetahs left, a majestic cat species. These cheetahs are found in Iran, but their habitat used to span from the Middle East of Asia to Russia. Unfortunately, their population has significantly declined.

Compared to their African counterparts, Asiatic cheetahs are smaller, and have thicker coats, more powerful necks, and longer legs. These longer legs have led to theories that they might be faster, although no studies have confirmed this. They also have lighter fur, nearly white on their sides, a deviation from African cheetahs, and small black spots on their face that are irregularly scattered on their bodies.

The Asiatic cheetah primarily preys on herbivores such as rabbits, hares, wild sheep, goats, and gazelle. [Read More]

Battles and Behaviors of Prehistoric Beasts

by Iliyan Hoskins, age 10

Dinosaurs in prehistoric times had unique methods to catch their prey and protect themselves from predators. Fossil evidence has unveiled fascinating glimpses of battles among different dinosaur species, shedding light on their behaviors.

One notable fossil pair illustrates a gripping encounter where a dinosaur thrust its tail into the flesh of another. In 1971, Velociraptor and Protoceratops fossils were initially assumed to be victims of a sandstorm. However, paleontologists later discovered that they were engaged in a fierce battle. The Velociraptor was caught in the act of slashing the throat of the Protoceratops, while the Protoceratops was simultaneously biting the right arm of the Velociraptor. This finding represents just one of many such combats unearthed in the fossil record.

Among these prehistoric creatures were the Coelophysis, small carnivorous dinosaurs that primarily scavenged on deceased remains. Despite their size, measuring 10 feet in length and three feet in width, they possessed remarkable speed and agility. [Read More]

Fascinating Facts About Honeybees, From Queen Bee to Pollinators

by Malak Al Quraishi, age 12

Did you know that queen bees can lay over 2,500 eggs every day? Honeybees were introduced to the Americas by European settlers in the 19th century. Today, they are commonly found collecting nectar from flowers and pollinating plant life. They collect nectar during the daytime, but during the night, they keep the hive warm, clean up debris, and sleep.

Honeybees also have a self-defense mechanism. When they perceive that the hive is threatened, honeybees will actively seek out and sting an intruder if necessary. When honeybees sting, they leave behind their venomous sac. Melittin is the main toxic compound found in bee venom, constituting 50 - 60% and causing the majority of the pain.

One reason why honeybees may sting is to protect their hive, which stores the eggs laid by the queen. The queen then fertilizes the eggs as they’re being laid. The queen will occasionally not fertilize an egg. The queen does this to get drones, which are male worker bees that don’t have stingers. The eggs later then become worker bees or drones that run and sustain the colony. [Read More]

The Mighty Anaconda: South America's Giant Predator

by Joseph Zheng, age 9

Have you ever seen a snake that can eat an alligator? From little prey to big creatures, the anaconda can eat them all.

The anaconda lurks downstream in a muddy place, perfect for seeking prey, and blends in with its brown body waiting to strike. The anaconda is not like most snakes. It does not inject poison, instead it squeezes its prey to death with its strong muscles and long, big body. It has a huge circumference of almost three feet.

Anacondas have their nostrils positioned upward so they can breathe when they are drifting underwater. Their eyes help them see prey at night. The anaconda has two rows of backward teeth and one row at the bottom. They use their wide opening jaws to swallow prey that many be bigger than itself. The anaconda can sense movement in land and water. This lurking beast is active at night and is a great swimmer that hunts in the shadows. [Read More]

Rare Roseate Spoonbill Sighted in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Astonishing Birding Community

by Mariama Bah, age 16

A mysterious bird, described as a pink football on short stilts, was recently spotted alive in Green Bay for the first time. Its unexpected appearance generated excitement within the Wisconsin birding community, marking the return of a bird that had long been absent from the region.

On the morning of July 26th, Logan Lasee, a Bay Area Bird Club member, was monitoring endangered piping plovers in the Cat Island restoration area when he noticed something pink that immediately caught his attention.

The roseate spoonbill, typically a shoreline bird, is usually found in Texas, Florida, and South America. However, its historical range in the United States suffered a severe decline in the 1860s due to the overhunting of wading bird colonies, driven by the demand for their pink plumage for women's hats. Roseate spoonbills primarily inhabit coastal marshes and lagoons and sustain themselves on crustaceans like prawns and shrimp, contributing to their distinctive pink coloration. They can reach heights of up to 32 inches and boast an impressive wingspan spanning 50 inches. [Read More]

The Endangered Wild Dogs of East Africa

by Chelsea Zheng, age 11

East African wild dogs are one of the most muscular African canids. They are recognized by their dark coat, yellow patches, and large ears.

They are found in the African countries of Tanzania and Mozambique. The wild dog's shoulder height reaches about 24 to 30 inches. Its head and body length reaches 71 to 28 to 44 inches. Female African wild dogs weigh 45 to 55 pounds, which is 3-7% smaller than males, which can weigh up to 80 pounds. African wild dogs are lean, tall, and one of the largest canid species, falling behind the grey wolf. However, they are among one of the most endangered mammals in the world.

African wild dogs mostly live in Savannah and dry lands. They also stay away from forested areas as they need large open spaces to see and chase down their prey. They hunt during daylight in packs that consist of 27 adults and yearling pups. The wild dogs are also known to hunt medium sized antelopes. African wild dogs stalk their prey, then approach it silently to then chase it up to 41 miles per hour. [Read More]

The Vampire Spiders Are the Secret Blood-Lovers of the Insect World

by Riya Adhikari, age 12

Everyone talks about blood-loving mosquitos, but does anyone talk about the blood-loving spiders? Evarcha culicivora, also called vampire spiders, are a type of spider that feeds on blood. They are called mosquito terminators.

Evarcha likes both animal and human blood. Vampire spiders cannot bite through skin or animal hide because their mouthparts are not built for this ability.

Vampire spiders depend on mosquitoes to get the blood they desire. Their favorite types of mosquitoes are Anopheles, which are the main malaria spreaders in Africa. This mosquito species sits with its bottom sticking up in the air, while the majority of mosquitos sit with their bottoms on the floor. Their posture is an advantage for baby spiders. They can crawl under the mosquito’s abdomen, jump up, then grab onto the mosquito. While it flies away, the little spiders hang on to the mosquito and inject it with their venom. They then have a big feast. Vampire spiders live by Lake Victoria in the nations of Kenya and Uganda in the eastern part of Africa. [Read More]

Camels: Remarkable Desert Dwellers of Mongolia and China

by Juan Esteban Palma, age 11

Camels are desert-dwelling animals found in arid regions like Mongolia and China. Their dietary choices depend on their location, primarily consisting of plants. There are two camel species: the Bactrian camel, with two humps, and the more prevalent dromedary camel, also known as the Arabian camel, which has one hump. These humps provide energy for desert navigation and sustenance. Dromedary camels represent nearly 90% of the camel population.

Around three thousand years ago, camels were domesticated and employed for various purposes, such as transportation. They can endure extended periods without water, which aids their desert survival. They can carry up to 200 pounds and cover over 20 miles daily, while also serving as a source of food and milk for humans.

Bactrian camels can measure between 5.2 to 5.9 feet in height, 10 to 15 feet in length, and weigh from 990 to 1,100 pounds. Dromedary camels range in height from 5.9 to 6.6 feet, length from 7.2 to 11.2 feet, and weigh between 880 and 1,320 pounds. [Read More]

Tail Tricks and Venomous Encounters of the Mexican Beaded Lizard

by Daileni Torres Cruz, age 10

Have you ever heard of the Mexican Beaded Lizard? This unique creature has an interesting feature with its tail. Specifically, the tail falls off in summer and grows thicker before thinning down in winter. In winter, the lizard loses its tail fat and burns the fat into energy.

Along with its tail, the Mexian Beaded Lizard has other intriguing traits. The lizard's forked tongue gathers scent molecules from the air and then transfers them to an organ on the roof of its mouth. The Mexican beaded lizard can grow up to a length of three feet. They usually hunt young mammals, birds, lizard eggs, and other reptiles.

When they attack, poison is released into the lungs of their prey which can be enough to kill. Only a small portion of animals dare to mess with the lizard because of its dangerous cobra-like venom. When it bites people, it causes agonizing pain which is made worse by the lizard's strong jaw muscles. [Read More]

Diving into the World of Dolphins

by Abigail Gezae, age 11

Growing up, my favorite sea animal was the dolphin. These sea creatures are mammals of the sea and are great swimmers, compared to other fish.

Dolphins have interesting features from their head to their tails. Starting at the head, dolphins have corn-shaped teeth. Looking at their bodies, dolphins have flippers that help guide them through the water. These animals live about 20 years, and in some cases even longer. Dolphins spend 98% of their time underwater, but they still need to resurface to breathe air. Near the top of the dolphin’s head, they have a blowhole which is used for breathing.

Dolphins have a superpower, which is their hearing. They can listen extremely well, even though their ears are small and hard to see. They use their bones to sense frequencies. When dolphins are in a pod – a group of dolphins – they call one another by using their bones to accept frequencies. When dolphins hunt, up to 300 dolphins can form a pod. [Read More]

Deep in the Rainforests of Borneo Lives a Mysterious Elephant Species

by Daileni Torres Cruz, age 10

Borneo, the third largest island in the world, is located in Asia, and is home to the most misunderstood species: the Bornean elephant. Being the smallest Asian elephant, they are smaller than their mainland cousins.

The Bornean elephant is the largest mammal in Borneo. They have tails that can touch the ground depending on how long they grow. Compared to other elephants, they have straighter tusks and bigger ears. They are also known as Borneo pygmy elephants because of their size of 8.2 to 9.8 feet tall.

The elephants are frequently in contact with people and have lost their source of food as the forests are shrinking and causing habitat loss. A lot of Bornean elephants spend time reaching fragmented forest patches. The threat to these elephants is losing their forests. Borneo lost 60% of its elephant habitat due to cultivation. [Read More]

Beware the American Alligator, Nature's Formidable River Predator

by Joseph Zheng, age 9

When you are walking along a river, be alert because you might come face to face with an American alligator.

This beast has powerful teeth hiding in its mouth and hard scales that protect it. This wild creature has sturdy limbs to attack its prey, and their eyes help them see their prey while swimming. The snout of an American alligator is broader and rounder than a typical crocodile.

The gator’s prey are amphibians, mammals, and other domestic animals. With all that food, the American alligator can weigh up to 500 pounds. A female alligator is seven feet long and males are between 11 to 12 feet. They can survive up to 50 years in captivity. [Read More]

African Dwarf Crocodile Is the World’s Smallest

by Dakota Wilson, age 12

All crocodiles are big and scary, right? Not this one, the African dwarf crocodile is just five feet long, making it the smallest crocodile species.

Osteolaemus Tetraspis or the African dwarf crocodile has many names such as the Black crocodile, the broad-nosed crocodile, and the Dwarf crocodile. These crocodiles are covered by black bony plates that form coarse armor on their skin. They also have yellow underskins and blunt short muzzles. The hatchlings are identified by light brown stripes on their tail and body and yellowish markings on their head.

Dwarf crocodiles are carnivores and solitary hunters. They mainly hunt during the night, preying on small animals such as crabs, insects, snakes, and lizards. Black crocodiles are cold-blooded; they constantly have to maintain their body temperature. To stay cool in the heat, the crocodile will lay in the water and ambush any prey that stumbles on its path. In the cold, they usually tend to sunbathe. [Read More]

120-Million-Year-Old Dinosaur Fossil Sheds Light on Bird Evolution

by Dayanara Flores Gonzalez, 15

Scientists have just discovered a 120-million-year-old fossil that could help us learn more about landbound dinosaurs and their evolution into flying birds.

The Cratonavis Zhui bird was revealed to have a dinosaur-like head and a body similar to that of today's birds.

This bird originated from the northeast region of China. CT scans found its skull to be nearly identical to that of a theropod dinosaur, similar to the Tyrannosaurus Rex. The Chinese Academy of Sciences reports that the Cratonavis skull had not evolved its mobile upper jaw like other birds. [Read More]

The Short-eared Owl Is a Year-long Resident of Wisconsin

by Edwin Torres, age 12

The Short-eared Owl is an owl species that is native to Wisconsin, Canada, and other northern parts of the U.S. Fortunately for those looking to spot them, the Short-eared Owl lives all year round in those areas. This owl can travel long distances. People have reported sightings that are hundreds of miles away from land.

A Pueo is a subspecies of a Short-eared Owl only native to Hawaii and resides on several Hawaiian islands. It is believed that the Pueo might have descended from Native Alaskan ancestors.

A Short-eared Owl has very short ears, which are difficult to see. Despite this, they have really good hearing. Their sharp hearing can be useful when hunting animals, especially smaller ones. A very visible physical attribute of the Short-eared Owl is its black-rimmed yellow eyes. This owl also has a pale face and rounded wings. [Read More]

The Metamorphosis of Amphibians from Water to Land

by Marie Pietz, age 11

Amphibians are born in freshwater and move out to dry land when they reach a certain age.

Many types of amphibians can be found in bodies of water.

While they are born into water, they have to go through stages of growth before moving onto land. When amphibians mate, most lay eggs, while others give birth. Those who lay eggs usually lay them in soft clumps with a jelly-like texture. [Read More]

The Sloth Bear is a Shy and Solitary Speices

by Jeronimo Rosero Perea, age 9

When you think about bears, you may think about the black bear. Many would

Not think about the solitary sloth bear!

The sloth bear lives in parts of India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. However, it is mainly found in the forests of India. It enjoys eating fruits, termites, insect larvae, honey, and carrion. Bears eat a lot of plants but they're classified as carnivores [Read More]

Non-Native Honeybee Pollination May Decrease the Quality of Seeds Over Time

by Ayelen Flores Ruiz, age 13

Recently, researchers have observed that the quality of seeds from flowers pollinated by honeybees is decreasing. Pollinators hunt for flowers in search of nectar and pollen. They are important to the food system since they help produce seeds for the ecosystem.

The seeds’ poor outcome could be because honeybees tend to spend their time going from flower to flower within the same plant, transferring pollen back into itself and resulting in inbred seeds. The study was conducted by ecologists Joshua Kohn and Dillion Travis from the University of California.

The bees that were most prominent in the study were honeybees that are not native to the United States. Non-native species are outnumbering native species of pollinators. The study showed that non-native pollinators took pollen away from native plant species and spread it to other plants of the same species, resulting in negative outcomes for native plants. [Read More]

The Northern Harrier Is a Small Hunter that Lives in Wisconsin’s Grasslands

by Sofia Zapata, age 14

There are many animals in Wisconsin, but many people may not have heard about northern harriers.

The northern harrier is similar to a hawk and it is the only harrier in North America. Northern harriers have an owl-like facial disk that allows them to hunt by sound, as well as by sight. All northern harriers have a white rump patch. Adult male harriers are gray, while adult females and juveniles are brown.

This species is often found in fields and marshes during nesting season. However, they also live in many kinds of wet and dry open terrain, where there is good ground cover. [Read More]

North American Beavers are the Builders of the Wild

by Reety Subedi, age 7

The North American beaver is known for constructing dams. They use their teeth to chop down trees and gather materials for their dams.

Beavers are mammals that live in the United States and Canada. A group of beavers is called a colony. Beavers can usually have four to six babies called kits, across their lifetime. These kits can grow to be bigger than, and as heavy as, a suitcase. They usually eat grass, bark, plants, leaves, and twigs. They use their teeth and their hands to gather food for themselves and their colony.

Dams are the homes where beavers live. They use their teeth to cut down wood, collect sticks, and twigs to help build their dams. A beaver can hold its breath underwater for about 15 minutes. The beavers slap their flat tails on the water to warn other beavers that there is danger nearby. When other beavers see them and hear this signal, they run away in fear and hide. [Read More]

The Humpback Anglerfish is a Deep-Sea Oddity

by Dani Garduno, age 12

Many are unfamiliar with the critters that live deep in the oceans, there are many various species of marine life and other life forms. One of those life forms is the Humpback Anglerfish, which is a species that looks angry and terrifying. Living 3,000 feet below sea level, this “ugly fish” has features that are unique for its size and environment.

Male Humpback Anglerfish are about three centimeters long, and females are about eighteen centimeters long. Both are very light and do not swim in the water, instead, they wobble around. These “sea devils” have bodies that are normally dark, with the color of gray, black, and brown. Their heads are humongous and their mouths are filled with jagged and sharp teeth. This makes their nostrils and eyes seem big. The anglerfish usually has four fins, although on rare occasions it can have three or five. The environment of the fish is extremely dark, as they live so deep under the water, which also makes the temperatures unbearable. This fish is usually found in the South and East China Seas.

The Humpback Anglerfish has a unique reproduction system. The males are specifically designed to find females to mate with. The Anglerfish follow their scent in the dark. Once the female is found, the male uses its teeth to suck the female's blood. After the mating process, the female lays its eggs, and the male leaves, releasing its sperm to fertilize the eggs. [Read More]

Exploring the Depths of the Unique-looking Goblin Shark

by Aarosh Subedi, age 10

The goblin shark is a species of shark that lives 4,265 feet below the surface of the ocean. Its scientific name is Mitsukurina owstoni.

The goblin shark has multiple unique features. It can unhinge its jaws while eating its prey. Their diet consists of small bony fish, cephalopods, and an unknown species of crab. This species of shark has a special kind of rostrum (pointed snout). They have unique organs that help the rostrum function; due to the dark depths, they use it to find their food by detecting sounds such as heartbeats or water movements. They usually thrust their jaws and use pharyngeal suction whenever their prey is trying to escape.

These sharks live in three oceans: the Pacific, the Atlantic, and Indian oceans. Some goblin sharks have been spotted and caught on the beaches of various Japanese places such as Honshu, Sagami, and Suruga, as well as in Kaikoura, New Zealand, and southern Africa. [Read More]

Gentoo Penguins are the Speedy Wonders of the Antarctic

by Lizzie Reinemann, age 8

Gentoo penguins are the fastest swimming penguins in the world. Their scientific name is Pygoscelis Papaya, they are native to the Antarctic region and the Southern Ocean.

The Gentoo is the third largest penguin in the world. They can live up to 20 years and are the fastest penguin species reaching 22 mph. Their height is 20 to 35 inches and weigh between nine to 19 pounds. They have a white stripe that stretches from the eyes to the back of their head; they also have a bright orange bill and feet. Their diet includes krill, fish, and prawns, however, they have to watch out for bigger animals such as orcas, leopard seals, and sharks, as they hunt gentoos. They have a cute call that sounds like a donkey which is used for defending against egg thieves. They also use this call to impress female gentoos.

Male gentoos can get into loud arguments when they fight for the most beautiful stones and pebbles. These stones are given to females to gain sympathy and to help them build nests. The nests usually measure up to ten inches in diameter and eight inches in height. They are located on iceless grounds and incubate the eggs for over a month. After 30 days, the baby Gentoo begins to hatch. [Read More]

The Charm of Frogs

by Soren Dahl, age 11

If you hold a dislike for frogs, your perspective might change once you delve into the fascinating world of these diminutive amphibians.

Across the globe, there exist thousands of frog species, with some falling under the category of toads. Toads typically exhibit dry, bumpy skin and are not commonly found in aquatic environments. Among the frog species, certain ones can attain remarkable sizes, such as the Goliath frog or the Cane toad, which can grow to over a pound in weight.

Frogs boast a varied diet, encompassing an eccentric and unusual assortment of foods. Flies, ants, and other small insects form the staple diet of most frogs. Larger frogs, on the other hand, gravitate toward larger insects and small creatures. Among the examples are tarantulas and mice. [Read More]

The Green Tree Pythons is a Colorful Ambush Artists

by Aloniab Gezae, age 9

The green tree python is a uniquely colorful snake that hides in the forest to ambush its prey. Despite its name, the green tree python is quite colorful. It can be green with yellow speckles or even completely blue. Young green tree pythons can be yellow, orange, or brick red; they turn green at six to 12 months.

Green tree pythons can be found camouflaging in rainforests in countries like Australia, New Guinea, and Indonesia. The unique colors of this python allow it to be a good hunter as it camouflages with its surroundings.

The green tree python is a carnivore, eating frogs, birds, lizards, and small mammals. Young tree pythons use their tails as lures. The green tree python has a forked tongue to taste the air for its prey and heat sensors in its eyes that allow it to find its prey at night. [Read More]

The Deadly Fierce Snake: Australia's Venomous Reptile

by Daileni Torres Cruz, age 10

The Fierce Snake is a dangerous reptile that possesses venom glands inside each of its cheeks. It can reach a length of up to eight feet. During the summer, the snake's color commonly transitions from shiny black to brown or greenish-yellow. The Fierce Snake is primarily found in Australia, typically near deserts and the western mountains known as the Great Dividing Range.

The Fierce Snake injects venom into its prey, a toxin so potent that it can kill its victim within seconds. This venom can disrupt nervous systems and induce blood clotting. The snake's lethality is apparent even in its youth, as it preys on rodents and small marsupials.

Since its discovery in the 19th century, the Fierce Snake has been observed only a few times, with a significant appearance in 1967. The snake's rediscovery followed an incident where a man was bitten on the finger. Unfortunately, doctors administered the wrong medicine because the man mistook the Fierce Snake for a brown snake. Although his heart stopped beating twice, he fortunately survived. [Read More]

The Black and Yellow Garden Spider: Master Weaver and Predator — by Teddy Reinemann, age 8

The black and yellow garden spiders are found throughout much of North America. When these spiders give birth, their babies are called spiderlings. The black and yellow garden spider usually lays up to 1,400 eggs. These spiders are not very large in size. Specifically, they grow to two and a half inches long. [Read More]

They like it warm: Africa’s Unique Penguins — by Dilma Attidekou, age 8

Penguins are known to live in cold areas. However, one species of penguins are born in Africa. These African penguins can live to be 15 years old, but many don't reach that age as their lifespan is decreasing due to human interaction and predator attacks. [Read More]

The Enigmatic Beauty of the Flower Hat Jellyfish — by Dayanis Torres-cruz, age 13

The Flower Hat Jellyfish is a translucent jellyfish that lives in the Western Pacific Ocean. Although the Flower Hat Jellyfish has a similar appearance to other jellyfish, it is not technically considered one. [Read More]

Moths Are the Pollinators of the Night — by Melanie Bautista, age16

An accidental discovery by researchers at the University of Denmark found that moths pollinate a third of red clover flowers. [Read More]

The African Bongo: Big Horns? Low Branches? No Problem! — by Oliver Zink, age 12

The bongo is Africa's most colorful antelope. They can weigh up to 892 pounds and have spiral shaped horns which can grow up to 39 inches long. The bongos’ big ears help with hearing the slightest noise from predators. [Read More]

Exploring the World of Bats — by Kimberly Rodriguez, age 11

There are approximately 1,200 different types of bats on Earth! Bats are best known for their echolocation, which is the ability to sense objects using sound. [Read More]

Earth’s Smallest Fox Species Lives Deep in the Sahara Desert — by Dilma Attidekou, age 8

The fennec fox is an efficient animal that survives in the depths of the Sahara Desert. Although small, this creature can eat a lot and is known as the smallest canid species. [Read More]

The Interesting Qualities of the Egg-Eating Snake — by Daileni Torres-Cruz, age 10

Many people are not aware of the African egg-eating snake. It has many unique qualities. The African egg-eating snake is known for eating eggs in one bite, and then spitting out the shell. These snakes change their appearance to look like poisonous species, but they are harmless. [Read More]

The Lifecycle of a Wolf Pup — by Joseph Zheng, age 9

In spring, females wolves give birth to newborn pups in dens after nine weeks of pregnancy. [Read More]

Endangered Bird Species Makes a Comeback in Wisconsin — by Sofia Zapata, age 13

The Kirtland’s Warbler was one of the first birds that were on the endangered species list, created in 1973. This type of bird is a gray and yellow songbird, they are a beautiful and unique species. [Read More]

Learn About the Graceful Harp Seals and the Threats to Their Well-being — by Dilma Attidekou, age 8

The harp seal received its name from the black patch on its back, which resembles the harp instrument. [Read More]

The Fascinating Reproduction Process of Reptiles — by Mahalia Pearson, age 12

Reptiles are known to spend their whole lifetime split between land and water. When they mate, they then have to come out of the water to lay their eggs. [Read More]

Scientists "Rediscover" the Jambato Harlequin Frog in Ecuador — by Shalom Shalmat, age 14

Is it possible for an animal that has been extinct to make a comeback? Across Central and South America there is a group of bejeweled frogs that is doing just that. The group is called the Harlequin frogs, which is a category of 100 different colored frogs. [Read More]

Interesting Facts About Wild Ponies — by Lina Al Quarishi, age 9

Wild ponies are not only cute but there are several breeds of the famous animal such as the Shetland, Dartmoor, and Exmoor. These ponies have lived on Earth for thousands of years, with some dating back to the last ice age, which was 10,000 years ago. These miniature horses have unique characteristics and qualities that set them apart from other animals. [Read More]

Fun Facts about Giraffes! — by Aubrey Bevenue, age 12

Giraffes are the tallest living animal and can see over very long distances due to their height. [Read More]

Why do Horses Appear in so Many Myths? — by Ian Kosharek, age 11

Horses are not only interesting creatures, but they have also been featured throughout history in various stories across many countries. [Read More]

What's so Wild About the European Wildcat? — by Santiago Rosero Perea, age 12

The European wildcat is a small feline that looks a lot like a regular house cat, similar to the well-known domestic tabby cat. [Read More]

Arabian Camels: Man's Best Friend? — by Joseph Zheng, age 9

Owning a camel can be a sign of wealth in other countries. Dromedaries, better known as Arabian camels, are unique mammals with distinct characteristics. [Read More]

What is an Addax? — by Malak Al Quraishi, age 12

An addax looks like a cross between a deer and a goat, but it is a creature that is specifically known for its horns. These horns look like twisted blades that can twist up to three times and reach lengths of three feet. [Read More]

Learn More About the Majestic Bald Eagle — by Soren Dahl, age 11

Bald eagles have many amazing majestic features that we can learn about. [Read More]

Giant Turtles Once Roamed Through South America — by Aarosh Subedi, age 10

The extinct turtle called the Carbonemys roamed around what is now known as Colombia 60 million years ago. It was a massive side-neck turtle. Its scientific name is Carbonemys cofrinii or coal turtle, which is fitting since its fossil was discovered in a coal mine. In 2005, the fossil was discovered in Colombia by paleontologist Edwin Cadena. This turtle was the largest turtle species in the area at the time. Their average length was five foot seven inches. [Read More]

Gray Wolf Walks from Minnesota to Wisconsin — by Aissata Bah, age 13

R2L, a gray wolf, started his long journey from a forest in northern Minnesota to Wisconsin, ultimately walking 264 miles at the age of one and a half. [Read More]

Team Flier or Team Glider? — by Alejandro Berrueta, age 11

There are many animals known as fliers and gliders in the world. Bats, lemurs and flying squirrels are a few of them. [Read More]

Sponges, Creatures of the Sea — by Dilma Attidekou, age 8

When you hear the word sponge, you may think about cleaning or washing dishes. This cleaning tool was named after a real life organism in the sea called a sponge. This creature has been used by humans for centuries! Sponges are usually mistaken for coral or plants, but they are actually animals that play a major role in their ecosystem [Read More]

Bald Eagle Shot Near Milwaukee Dies During Surgery — by Sol Saray, age 11

A bald eagle, America's symbol of pride, was shot on December 7, 2022, in southwest Milwaukee County. The Humane Society Wildlife Rehabilitation Center tried to save the eagle, however, it died during surgery. [Read More]

Growing Population of Invasive Moth Species in Wisconsin — by Desteny Alvarez, age 18

Recently, we have seen a rise in the number of spongy moths in Wisconsin. These moths cause skin rashes and are a danger to our environment. [Read More]

The Original Animals — by Joseph Zheng, age 8

The first land animals explored planet Earth around 450 million years ago. Before this time most early creatures came from the ocean. [Read More]

Who is the Fastest Mover of Them All? — by Malak Al Quraishi, age 12

Many animals use their speed to catch their prey and others use their speed to escape predators. They all move in different ways. [Read More]

Should We Add Insects to Our Diet? — by Emily Rodriguez Lima, age 14

When we think about consuming bugs, most of us would immediately respond by saying, “ew!” Although bugs may look nasty or creepy, they are a good source of protein. If insects are raised and prepared correctly, the protein they carry can be beneficial for our bodies. Raising them requires less water, less land, and overall less resources than other animals. [Read More]

Carnivores Aren't the Only Dangerous Predators! — by Aubrey Bevenue, age 11

Amphibians, like many reptiles, are carnivores. They use many ways to trap, track and hunt their prey. [Read More]

A Snake in a Tree? — by Aarosh Subedi, age 10

The green mamba is a species of snake that lives in Western and Eastern Africa. The snake has a coffin-shaped head due to its venom glands that sit right behind its eyes. Like humans, the green mamba’s pupil size decreases when there is a sign of light, meaning that this snake hunts in daylight. [Read More]

The Only Canids Known to Fish — by Ayelen Flores Ruiz, age 12

For the first time, researchers observed a fox fishing for food. After seeing the red fox, they joined the group of land mammals that also hunt for fish. [Read More]

Black Mamba: Deadly, but Shy — by Kaleab Afeworki, age 15

The black mamba is the biggest and some say the scariest snake in Africa. A lot of people are fearful of this snake because of its speed and strong venomous bites. [Read More]

Barn Owl Sightings Increase in Wisconsin, but the Future of this Iconic Bird Remains in Doubt — by Juanes Palma, age 9

In 2018, a unique species of barn owls were reported for the first time in over two decades in Wisconsin by The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The owls were spotted in September of 2018 as a pair of these birds were found in the cavity of a dead tree. Recently, there has been an increase in barn owl sightings in Wisconsin and other near states. [Read More]

Fun Facts About the Black-Handed Spider Monkey — by Joseph Zheng age 8

Spider monkeys are well known for their name. Although their name may sound like they are spiders, they are actually mammals. Black-handed spider monkeys live in Mexico and South America and can weigh up to 17 pounds. They climb and use their long prehensile tails to move or hang onto other branches. [Read More]

Crocodiles and Alligators-Dinosaur Relatives Still Alive Today — by Emily Rodriguez Lima, age 13

Crocodiles are some of the few living creatures today that were alive at the time of the dinosaurs. Their lifestyle and anatomy have helped crocodiles survive for millions of years. [Read More]

The Bald Eagle: An Iconic Species on the Verge of Extinction — by Santiago Rosero Perea, age 11

The bald eagle is one of the most recognized and powerful birds on Earth. [Read More]

La matamata: la “aspiradora” de la naturaleza — por Aarosh Subedi, 10 años de edad; traducido por Yoanna Hoskins, 17 años de edad

La matamata vive en Sudamérica y es parte de la familia tortuga. Esta especie vive en la parte norte de Sudamérica, en Brasil y Venezuela, pero algunas veces se puede encontrar en el norte de Bolivia, Ecuador, el este de Perú, Colombia, las Guayanas y Trinidad. Miden alrededor de 18 pulgadas de largo y pesan alrededor de cinco a seis libras. Además de comer pescado, comen pequeños pájaros y pequeños mamíferos. Esta especie en particular vive hasta 30 años. [Read More]

The Differences Between African and Asiatic Lions — by Ruben Becerril Gonzalez, age 10

When talking about lions, people are usually thinking of African lions. However, there are also lions roaming in Asia known as the Asiastic lions. [Read More]

Leopards Are Large and Powerful "Supercats" — by Ian Kosharek , age 10

Leopards are a type of cat that live mainly in Africa, but they can also be found in China, Malaysia, and even Korea. There are more leopards in the wild than any other wild cat—that is why they are called supercats! [Read More]

Gigantic Lace Lizards Find Home in Australian Cities — by Aloniab Gezae, age 8

Which reptile can climb on trees or, sometimes mistakenly, on people and also horses? Which reptile has a heavy tail but can swim and stay underwater for an hour? It is the gigantic lace lizard! [Read More]

Fun Facts About the Short-Head Seahorse — by Juan Esteban Palma Zuluaga, age 10

The short-head seahorse is a unique-looking fish with interesting characteristics. It is known for its curled tail that reminds many of a monkey's tail and has skin like an alligator, and its head resembles a dragon or a horse. [Read More]

Learn About the Vampire Squid — by Abigail Gezae, age 10

Vampire squids don’t actually share many resemblances to Dracula, and they aren’t after your blood. Instead, they are creatures that live deep in the ocean, around 2,000 to 3,000 ft. [Read More]

The Edmontonia: An Armored Behemoth — by Dayanis Torres Cruz, age 13

[Read More]

Invertebrates: The Boneless Group of Animals — by Aarosh Subedi age 10

Invertebrates are animals that do not have any backbones; they also have features unique to the specific species. [Read More]

The Iconic Australian Shingleback Skink — by Daniel Garduno Martinez, age 11

Think of an animal with armored scales, a blue tongue, and a mighty bite. This might sound like a crocodile or alligator that ate one too many ring-pops, but it is the shingleback skink; a small lizard that lives in the dry ecosystems of southern Australia. [Read More]

The Grizzly Is North America’s Giant — by Moore Vang, age 14

The grizzly bear or the brown bear is one of the most dangerous bears in North America. It is gigantic, extremely powerful, and wildly unpredictable. Its fur is light brown with white-tipped hairs and it has a distinct shoulder hump. Interestingly, it can run as fast as a horse but only for a short duration. [Read More]

The Perilous Life of Baby Penguins — by Chelsea Zheng, age 10

Life for baby penguins can be challenging. These egg-shaped birds often have difficult childhoods as they face the cold tundras of Antarctica. [Read More]

Is That a Leaf or a Gecko? — by Aloniab Gezae, age 8

The leaf-tailed gecko is a fascinating reptile. It can only be found in the rainforests of Madagascar and can grow up to eight inches long. Since leaf-tailed geckos are extremely rare, their lifespan is still unknown to scientists. [Read More]

Red Panda? More like Red Raccoon! — by Dalya Alquraishi age

The red panda is a cute and fuzzy animal that lives in China and the eastern Himalayas. It is commonly believed that these mammals are related to pandas, however red pandas are instead more closely related to raccoons. [Read More]

Learn About the World's Smallest Elephants — by Ashley Mercado, age 13

The Bornean elephant is the largest mammal on the huge island of Borneo. These elephants are also known as Borneo pygmy elephants because of their size. Compared to other elephants, Bornean elephants have larger ears, straighter tusks, and are smaller. [Read More]

Can You Run Faster than an Ostrich? — by Joseph Zheng, age 8

The largest bird in the world cannot fly, but it can kill with just its feet. The ostrich can grow up to nearly 8 feet. Male ostriches make a big booming sound to warn other ostriches when danger is near. These large, flightless birds tend to live in dry, open areas as well as woodlands in the country of Africa. [Read More]

Learn About the Beautiful and Endangered Green Sea Turtle — by Joseph Zheng, age 7

Green sea turtles are notable for being one of the largest sea turtle subgroups in the oceanic world. The name of this species is quite simple as it is named after the color of their skin and shell, the color green! Ironically, a green sea turtle's most distinguishable physical feature is its relatively hard shells. [Read More]

Learn All About The Ouranosaurus — by Aarosh Subedi, age 10

The Ouranosaurus is a magnificent dinosaur that lived in parts of Western Africa. It is known for its back sail which resembles a boat sail. The name Ouranosaurus is used to define a brave lizard in the Arabic language. This dinosaur mesaured 23 feet long and it weighed up to 4,900 to 8,800 pounds. [Read More]

The Scoop Behind Slow Moving Triceratops — by Joseph Zheng, age 8

Triceratops lived about 65 to 70 million years ago in North America, and were the last dinosaurs on Earth. Scientists believe that these dinosaurs lived in groups to survive; triceratops formed a circle around the young to protect them. [Read More]

Cómo las abejas hacen crecer las plantas — por Maya Maclin, 10 años

Polinizadores son muy importantes en nuestra Tierra. Te sorprendería lo mucho que ayudan las abejas y los polinizadores. ¿Sabías que necesitamos tanto a los polinizadores que las flores dependen en un 80 por ciento de la polinización? [Read More]

What Brought About the Extinction of the Megalodons? — by Jason Medina Ruiz, age 11

Megalodons, an extinct species of mackerel shark, were the ocean’s biggest predator for millions of years. The appearance of great white sharks brought competition to the megalodons. It is a popular theory that great whites were the reason for the megalodon's extinction. [Read More]

The Brontosaurus: Not a Real Dinosaur... Until Now! — by Jazmin Becerril Gonzalez, age 13

Sauropods, some of the largest animals to ever roam the earth, were long-necked and long-tailed dinosaurs often portrayed in movies eating from the top of the trees. The Brontosaurus, also known as the “thunder lizard,” is part of the sauropod family, but until recently many thought it didn’t exist. [Read More]

Wolves in Wisconsin: A Conservation Success Story with an Uncertain Future — by Dyami Rodriguez, age 16

The Federal Endangered Species Act was enacted in 1973 in order to protect wildlife and plants throughout the country in danger of extinction. In Wisconsin, the gray wolf benefited from the act since it kept these animals from becoming extinct. [Read More]

Rodent, not Rat — By Dilma Attidekou age 8

About more than half of the mammals on the earth are rodents. Rodents are small mammals that live all over the world, and there are many different kinds of them. All rodents have the same kind of jaw. Their teeth are used for grinding and gnawing food. If a rodent does not gnaw or grind its teeth, they will grow until the rodent isn’t able to eat anymore. [Read More]

Why You Should Stay Away From Nile Crocodiles — by Chelsea Zheng, age 10

Have you ever heard of the Nile crocodile? It is a big and dangerous creature, and hundreds of people are killed by it annually. [Read More]

From Water to Land Back to Water Again: the Evolution of the Qikitania — by Giovanni Tecuatl Lopez, age 17

There are many speculations regarding evolution and how it took place. Many think of evolution as a linear timeline; but this is not always the case and such can be seen in creatures like the Qikitania and Tiktaalik. [Read More]

This Madagascar Chameleon May Be the World's Smallest — by Dani Garduno, age 10

There has been a modern-day discovery of a tiny chameleon species. This chameleon is named Brookesia nana. This interesting reptile species was discovered in 2012. Surprisingly, this nano-chameleon species is about the size of a human fingertip! [Read More]

Scientists Study Sleep-Deprived Mosquitoes to Prevent the Spread of Deadly Diseases — by Emily Rodriguez Lima, age 13

Humans and mosquitoes are more alike than you may want to believe; new research suggests mosquitoes prefer sleep over food when sleep-deprived. [Read More]

Aprenda sobre los elefantes más pequeños del mundo — por Ashley Mercado, 13 años

El elefante de Borneo es el mamífero más grande de la enorme isla de Borneo. Estos elefantes también son conocidos como elefantes pigmeos de Borneo debido a su tamaño. [Read More]

The Ocean's Largest Omnivore — by Jonah Smith, age 13

Just off the Australian coast, in the Indian Ocean, tropical fish biologist Mark Meekan is looking for an animal that could be the world’s largest living omnivore. Meekan is from the Australian Institute of Marine Science in Perth, Australia, and he specializes in the study of whale sharks. After he spots one, he dives into the water with a hand spear and takes small samples of the shark's skin, which he uses to study characteristics like their diet. [Read More]

World’s Smallest Sea Turtles Found Alive in Gulf of Mexico — by Jason Medina Ruiz, age 11

The world's smallest sea turtle, known as Kemp's ridley, lives in the Gulf of Mexico. In the past 75 years, the population has diminished to the point that they are now the most endangered sea turtle in the world. Recently, the sea turtle population has increased off the coast of Louisiana. [Read More]

How a Rare Asian Bird Found a Home in Nevada — by Camila Cruz, age 14

The Himalayan range in Asia is home to the largest and highest peaked mountains, including Mount Everest, where a rare bird species called the snowcock is found. Additionally, snowcock birds can be found in the Ruby Mountain range in the state of Nevada. Now, how did this rare bird species arrive from Asia to the United States [Read More]

How Dinosaur Eggs Reveal Differences in Species — by Camila Cruz, age 15

Modern birds have many similarities to dinosaurs, from their feathers and feet to hollow bones and laying eggs. Recently, paleontologists found another feature dinosaurs shared that is their unique way of hatching, called tucking. [Read More]

Fun Facts About Beluga Whales — by Max Moreno, age 10

The beluga whale is one of the most intelligent whales. This whale is mostly known for its ability to smile and make faces. It can also perform tricks like making a bubble ring with its mouth, propelling backwards, and swimming up to 13 miles per hour. [Read More]

Bottlenose Dolphins; Friends of the Sea — by Joseph Zheng, age 8

Dolphins roam through warm ocean waters across the world. One species in particular is unique: the bottlenose dolphin. [Read More]

El águila calva: una especie icónica al borde de la extinción — por Santiago Rosero Perea, 11 años de edad; traducido por Yoanna Hoskins, 17 años de edad

El águila calva es una de las aves más conocidas y poderosas en nuestro mundo. Las águilas calvas cazan en lagos y ríos. La medida del cuerpo de un hombre es de alrededor de 90 centímetros, mientras que el cuerpo de una mujer tiene un promedio de 108 centímetros. El peso de un águila calva es de 14 libras, mientras un águila arpía pesa 11 libras. [Read More]

Wisconsin's Year-Round Birds — by Ruben Becerril Gonzalez, age 10

Have you heard of some of Wisconsin’s year-round birds? Today, I’m going to talk about the American Robin, Mourning Dove, and Song Sparrow. [Read More]

Learn the Difference Between a Cheetah and a Leopard — by Max Moreno, age 9

People may easily mistake a cheetah for a leopard. However, there are many differences to look for that can help you tell these two species apart. [Read More]

Do You Want a Pony as a Pet? — by Dilma Attidekou, age 8

Many years ago, people used all different kinds of ponies to haul carts or to farm. Today, ponies are often enjoyed as pets. [Read More]

Why Do So Few Cubs Turn Into Big Cats? — by Chelsea Zheng, age 10

Wild cat babies, known as cubs or kittens, are easy targets to male lions. Mother cats guard their cubs until they are of age. [Read More]

Cardinals in Wisconsin: These Beautiful Birds are Moving North — by Allison Torres, age 13

Northern cardinals are highly valued and favored songbirds in North America. These birds typically nest in Northern Wisconsin, along with parts of Minnesota and even Canada. [Read More]

Not Really a Big Cat, the Caracal Is a Hunter that Lives in Asia and Africa — by Sol-Saray, age 10

A desert lynx, also known as caracal, is a wild cat native from Africa, Asia, and parts of India. They can be found in woodlands, grasslands, savannahs, and forest. [Read More]

Tiger Wandering: Scientists Have Important Questions About Unusual Spider — by Dani Garduno, age 10

Researchers have taken a big interest in learning about a species of spider called the Tiger Wandering. This spider’s features include very unusual legs. [Read More]

Why Do Butterflies Migrate? — by Abigail Gezae, age 9

Have you seen a big group of butterflies flying around? Do you know why? It might be because they are migrating. [Read More]

How Wisconsin Manages its Black Bear Population — by Dayanara Flores Gonzalez, age 14

It is getting easier to see black bears in Wisconsin. It’s becoming more common to see black bears because their numbers in Wisconsin are growing. So, if you decide to go camping in our state, it's possible you could see a black bear roaming around. [Read More]

Deadly Piranhas Stalk the Amazon River in Large Groups — by Max Moreno Lopez, age 9

Did you know that a piranha's sharp and pointy teeth help them bite off chunks of flesh from their prey? The powerful jaw of the piranha helps it catch and grab onto its prey. These creatures travel in groups called schools, making the piranha strong attackers and defenders. [Read More]

Flores, abejas y mariposas: cómo se conocen y se reproducen las mariposas — por Dulce Maria Vazquez, 14 años de edad; traducido por Yoanna Hoskins 17 años de edad

Las mariposas viven poco tiempo, significando que tienen que encontrar una pareja rápidamente. [Read More]

Disgusting Animals Play an Important Part in the Ecosystem — by Sol-Saray, age 9

All animals are built differently, some are cute or scary-looking, and others are just ugly and disgusting. Some of these ugly creatures may have skinny crooked legs or are covered in little bumps. Most fish and flies have huge eyes that do not blink or move. Ugly animals have similarities and differences, however, to humans many are smelly, scary, or disgusting. [Read More]

Aprenda sobre el largato sungazer puntiagudo — Aloniab Gezae, edad 8

¿Te gustan las lagartijas? Si lo hace, le gustará el lagarto sungazer porque este lagarto tiene púas de la cabeza a la cola [Read More]

The Last Living Dinosaurs — by Amelia Mieko Pearson, age 12

You may not know this but birds are dinosaurs! As much as they do not look like dinosaurs, the connection between these two species does exist. In the Jurassic age, 150 years ago, the first bird was hatched from a small and feathery raptor-like dinosaur and became another branch of the dinosaur family tree. [Read More]

How Does a Boa Constrictor Hunt? — by Aloniab Gezae, age 7

Do you like snakes? Hopefully you do because today you will be learning about a snake called the boa constrictor! Boa constrictors are big and dangerous. They eat mice, rats, lizards, and birds. The lifespan of a boa constrictor in captivity can be up to 40 years! That’s a long time! Boa constrictors can swim and like living near rivers and lakes, specifically inside rainforests in South and Central America. [Read More]

No es realmente un gato grande, el caracal es un cazador que vive en Asia y África — por Sol-Saray, 10 años

Un lince del desierto, también conocido como caracal, es un gato salvaje originario de África, Asia y partes de la India. Se pueden encontrar en bosques, pastizales, sabanas y bosques. [Read More]

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