Animals

May 5, 2025

Photographer Captures Epic Battle Between Great Blue Heron and a Snake

Great blue herons and snakes have a complex relationship that goes beyond the simple dynamic between predator and prey. These large water birds can take on large water snakes, which often make for incredible battles as the two animals tussle. Florida-based wildlife photographer Marcos Rodriguez is quite familiar with these dynamics, as he's often witnessed these fights for survival.

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April 27, 2025

New ‘Little Beasts’ Exhibition Explores the Intersections of Natural History and Art

Back in Europe during the 16th and 17th centuries, animals conjured a remarkable sense of wonder. It was an era of unprecedented exploration, where scientific technology, trade, and colonial expansion led to the study of previously unknown or overlooked species. Integral to cataloging these beestjes, or “little beasts,” were artists. An upcoming exhibition at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.

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April 22, 2025

Study Finds That Dogs Can Tell if Someone Is Untrustworthy

Fool a dog once, shame on you. Fool them twice? A study says you may not get away with that. Scientists from Kyoto University found that dogs can determine if you're trustworthy based on your actions, and even act according to that. More so, they may only follow commands from people that they believe in. The study, published in the journal Animal Cognition in 2015, was led by researcher Akiko Takaoka.

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April 18, 2025

Study Finds Crows Understand Basic Geometry, a Skill Thought to Be Unique to Humans Up Until Now

Alongside creatures like chimpanzees, dolphins, and dogs, crows are widely considered to be one of the world’s smartest animals. In fact, past research has proven that these birds can distinguish between human faces and voices, vocally count up to four, create and use tools, and even grasp the concept of water displacement better than an average 5- to 7-year-old child.

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