Scientists discovered that Greenland sharks can live up to 400 years (or more!) and don’t reproduce until at least 150. The previous record for oldest vertebrate, the bowhead whale, was 211 years. Researchers utilized carbon dating methods on a variety of Greenland sharks and concluded that one of the females was four centuries old. Marine biologist John Steffenson […] More
There are whales in the Arctic that have been alive since before the American Civil War. The reason? They simply don’t get sick. Bowhead whales are the longest living mammals on the planet, living up to 250 years (or perhaps longer). These massive cetaceans have a much higher resistance to cancer and aging than other mammals, […] More
Image: Don Debold Deer inadvertently kill a staggering 200 people every year — that’s more than bears, sharks, and alligators combined. A robust deer population unfortunately means that many of them will end up in the roadways, resulting in over 1 million annual collisions. Wow. What can be done? Researchers suggest boosting the population of a top […] More
Electroblemma bifida, the 0.06″ bizarre armored spider recently discovered. Image by Paul Selden A new species of armored spider has been discovered after 99 million years encased in Burmese amber. The species existed during the late Cretaceous period and has been noted for its bizarre body armor and long, horned fangs. The spider has been added […] More
Cats are notorious for playing with (torturing?) their prey. These praying mantises aren’t having it though, and they’re fighting back with their impressive kung-fu ninja moves. Mantises have large forelegs or “raptorial legs” that are well adapted for catching and gripping their prey, which is why they fight in this amusing boxing-like fashion. Believe it […] More
An island in the Bahamas has been completely taken over by feral pigs — and it has been one of the country’s most popular tourist attractions, particularly for Instagram-obsessed Millennials. Known as Pig Beach, or by its official name “Big Major Cay”, this uninhabited island in the Exuma Cays of the Bahamas has become known […] More
Can you spot the pygmy seahorse? Image: Bernard Dupont Animals that are low on the food chain, or those that hunt by sneaking up on their prey for a surprise attack, have got to find a way to blend in. These animals do so by displaying some of the most insane camouflage coloring on the planet. Can you […] More
A King Cobra, the world’s largest venomous snake, slithers along a Singapore street, looking for a bite to eat. This cobra is about three and a half meters long, and a snake eater. Preys on almost nothing else. Its generic name, Ophiophagus, means snake eater. But when it comes across a reticulated python, outside Nanyang […] More
Image: Peruvian Production Authority Authorities in Peru have seized an estimated 8 million illegally trafficked seahorses on a ship bound for Asia. Officials said that the dried seahorses are worth nearly $4 million. The seahorses were found in the hold of the ship while at port in Callao on June 7. The captain of the Chinese vessel […] More
This ridiculously adorable frog sounds something like a dog toy. Known as the desert rain frog, this species emits a high-pitched squeak when threatened. The plump frogs are native to Namibia and South Africa, and they reside on sandy shores between the ocean and the sand dunes. The species is unique in its round form, bulging […] More
Image: Eric Kilby A jaguar that was used as a prop in an Olympic torch relay event in Brazil was killed after escaping. The jaguar, named Juma, escaped from her handlers following the ceremony. Soldiers and veterinarians attempted to recapture the big cat, but were unsuccessful; Despite being sedated with a tranquilizer dart, she still managed to […] More
Ever wondered why narwhals have that long, unicorn-like tusk? If you’re not familiar with the species, narwhals are medium-sized whales that live year-round in the Arctic. What makes them unique is their prominent pointy tusk. The massive single tusk is actually a hollow canine tooth that projects through the left side of the upper jaw. It […] More
