Mammals Moonlight around Human Settlements
A study of human–mammal interaction across the globe found animals are more prone to take to the night around humans. Jason G. Goldman reports.
Stories by Jason G. Goldman
City Life Favors Downsized Invertebrates
Most invertebrates get smaller on average in cities, although a few very mobile species respond to urbanization by growing.
Hippo Dung Fouls Up Freshwater Fisheries
Hippo poop is piling up in Tanzania’s freshwater fisheries—which is bad news for biodiversity, and deleterious for the dinner plate. Jason G. Goldman reports.
Pinnipeds Don't Appreciate Biped Disturbance
Sea lions and fur seals in Uruguay have become a tourist attraction—but the animals have become less, not more, accepting of humans. Jason G. Goldman reports.
Living on the Edge: Wildfires Pose a Growing Risk to Homes Built Near Wilderness Areas
Building houses at the edge of the wilderness increases the danger of catastrophic blazes
Hunting Rules Have Changed Mama Bear Care
Hunting regulations in Sweden prohibit killing brown bear mothers in company of cubs—causing mama bears to care for their young longer. Jason G. Goldman reports.
Culture Shapes Kids' Views of Nature
In a study of children interacting with toy animals Native American kids and non-Native kids imagined the animals very differently.
Bees Have a Goldilocks Lawn Mow Schedule
Lawns mowed every two weeks hosted more bees than lawns mowed every three weeks. Jason G. Goldman reports.
In 200 Years Cows May Be the Biggest Land Mammals on the Planet
Humans may be driving large mammals to extinction
Planting Milkweed for Monarchs? Make Sure It's Native
Non-native milkweed species planted in the southern U.S. could harm monarch butterflies as temperatures rise. Jason G. Goldman reports.
Right Whales Seem to Think before They Speak
Rather than always making the same call in response to the same stimuli, North Atlantic right whales are capable of changing their vocalizations.
Culture Shapes How Children View the Natural World
Native American kids and non-Native kids conceptualize wild animals differently
Ravens Crow with Individual Flair
Ravens produce different types of calls depending on their age and sex—which might help ravens size up other individuals. Jason G. Goldman reports.
Why Lemurs Have Such Strange Diets
Lemurs consume far less fruit than other primates
Why Do Birds Get Divorced?
For blue tits, timing can be a factor in whether they remain together or part ways
Ticks on Uptick Where Big Game Declines
Areas of Kenya without large wildlife saw tick populations rise as much as 370 percent—meaning more danger to humans. Jason G. Goldman reports.
Lion Conservation Challenges Giraffe Protection
Having lions and giraffes together in protected areas means far lower survival rates for juvenile giraffes. Jason Goldman reports.
Bonobos Might Not Be So Laid-Back after All
The apes may focus on dominance rather than morality when it comes to interpreting social behaviors
Mongoose Societies Are Skeptical of Strangers
It takes months for members of a mongoose breeding society to trust newcomers with important tasks like watching for predators. Jason G. Goldman reports.
Lizards Learn a Silly Walk after Losing Their Tails
Leopard geckos compensate for the lost appendage’s movement