But these wasps aren’t out for human blood, and their presence in your milkweed is a benefit to butterflies. Learn why these scary-looking insects are actually a wonder to have around the garden!

Your Milkweed is Working as Designed

Tarantula hawks are one of the main pollinators of milkweed. If you’re planting milkweed to support pollinators, then seeing these wasps around means your garden is succeeding!

Plus, by pollinating milkweed and other native plants, tarantula hawk wasps help ensure these important plants continue to grow in the landscape to provide habitat for monarchs and other pollinators. The wasp at the flower and the monarch you’re hoping to support are linked through the same plant.

Find milkweed for monarchs (and wasps) with our Native Plant Finder!

Tarantula Hawks are Docile While Foraging

Tarantula hawks at flowers are almost always docile. Foraging time is strictly for gaining energy, and aggression costs energy; there’s no reason for a nectaring wasp to spend its calories chasing a human. Pretty much the only time a foraging tarantula hawk will sting is if someone touches it or swats at it, in which case it is trying to protect itself. Stand near a milkweed full of these wasps and they will ignore you completely while they eat.

Aggression is for Rival Wasps, Not Humans

Male tarantula hawks claim dominance through a behavior called hilltopping, which is essentially the children’s game King of the Hill played by wasps.

A dominant male perches on the highest, most conspicuous post near foraging grounds—a tall shrub, the corner of a building, the tip of a fence—and launches out to investigate anything that moves past, including humans!

He’s checking whether the moving object is a rival male to be chased away or a receptive female to mate with. Either way, he needs to arrive at speed. Wait a few seconds, and the male will return to his post once he realizes you are not a wasp.

Male Wasps Can’t Sting

This is the most important point: only female tarantula hawks have stingers. The males doing the dramatic intercept flights from their perches, the ones that might feel like they are “chasing” you, are physically incapable of stinging. They might look terrifying but are completely harmless.

Females, meanwhile, spend most of their time in that calm, can’t-be-bothered foraging mood. When they’re not foraging, they’re hunting tarantulas—which is what the species name refers to. This is the only kind of animal they will sting aggressively, and they do it for a reason: to bring back to her nest, alive but paralyzed, to feed her young. Females do not chase humans. They chase tarantulas!

Designing Gardens with Tarantula Hawks in Mind

When gardening with milkweed in tarantula hawk territory, a couple design choices can substantially reduce unwanted encounters:

1. Tuck milkweed away from high-traffic paths and tall conspicuous perches. Doorways, walkways, and the immediate edges of buildings are exactly where you don’t want a hilltopping male to set up. Group plantings away from those zones when possible.
2. Build a better perch. If the affected area is near a building or other structure that’s currently the tallest perch around, consider installing a pole with a small platform on top, taller than the building, set about thirty feet away in a quieter spot. This may pull territorial males off the building edge and into a location where their displays won’t startle anyone.

The Bigger Picture

A milkweed planting that attracts tarantula hawks is a planting that’s pulling in real pollinator diversity. The same flowers feeding the wasps are feeding monarchs, native bees, and more. The wasps are also keeping the local tarantula population in check, which, depending on where you live, is a service worth keeping around.

Once you can read the behavior, these encounters stop feeling like attacks and start looking like what they actually are: a healthy native ecosystem doing its thing, loudly, right outside the front door.

#1: Snowberry Clearwing Moth

Is it a bumblebee? A hummingbird? Nope, this magnificent creature is a snowberry clearwing moth. It’s one of a few species of moths found flying by day, while most are active at night. They mimic the flight of hummingbirds, hovering to sip nectar. This moth belongs to the family Sphingidae, commonly known as sphinx or hawk moths. These are some of the fastest flying insects in the world, with some reaching speeds at over 33 m.p.h.! 

#2: Luna Moth

Luna moths are fascinating. In their adult form, they have no mouth! They don’t eat as adults, and only live for a week in this adult stage.

The tail-like structures on their wings are not only beautiful, but they also help luna moths to evade bats. They flutter them and disrupt the bat’s sonar.  

#3: Texas Wasp Moth

This species has evolved to mimic paper wasps to protect themselves. Predators that are averse to wasps will stay away from these moths as well. Pure genius. 

#4: Rosy Maple Moth

As its name suggests, these moths depend on maple trees! As caterpillars, they eat the leaves. Many moths and butterflies have “host plants” that are the only food source for the caterpillars. One great way to support moths and butterflies is to plant their host species. 

#5: Cecropia Moth

Female Cecropia moths, like many other species, produce pheromones to attract mates. Following this scent can be dangerous for male Cecropia moths, however. Bolas spiders are able to mimic these pheromones and eat whichever male moths show up!

#6 Pandorus Sphinx Moth

These moths, like others in the sphinx moth family, have a very long proboscis that helps them to drink nectar from flowers.

#7 Io Moth

The large eye-spots on its wings can mimic the eyes of larger animals. When threatened, io moths can flash their wings and scare away predators by tricking them into thinking they are a larger animal looking at them!

How to Help Moths

Like many insects, moths are experiencing a worrying decline. Some are even becoming listed as threatened or endangered. 

You can help by planting native species in your own garden! These plants can serve as host plants for the caterpillars to eat, and as nectar sources for the adults. In fall, support moths by leaving the natural leaf layer. Many of these moths overwinter in the leaves!

Instead of the more common pointed head of many shark species, the hammerhead shark has a wide head, some think it looks like a hammer (hence the name), or a mallet, with its eyes on each end of its head.

The “hammer” shaped head is called a cephalofoil. The wide shape of the cephalofoil provides a wide space for sensory organs called ampullae of Lorenzini; these sensory organs help the shark detect electrical fields which could be signs of prey (e.g., muscle contractions, heart beats, and gill movements).

These highly efficient sensory organs can help the hammerhead shark find one of its favorite foods, the stingray, and can even detect prey that is buried beneath the sand.

Download Shark Fun! Activity Guide for kids and families.

Download Shark Fun! Activity Guide for kids and families.

Kids’ Corner with Ranger Rick®

• Watch: Hammerhead Shark Sing-a-Long
• Watch: Shark Family Reunion with Nina the Nurse Shark
• Watch: Fish Clean a Shark’s Teeth
• Watch: Sharks4Kids
• Play: Shark Kahoot
• Play: Whale Shark Kahoot
• Make: Shark Hat Craft

More Resources About Sharks:

• Quiz: Sharks! The Amazing Creatures That Are Older Than Dinosaurs
• Sharks in the Parks, NWF Blog
• Not So Scary After All: Shark Facts You Might Not Know, NWF Blog
• NWF’s Affiliate Resolution “Protecting Sharks to Safeguard our Oceans”
• Plastic Pollution Impacts on Wildlife, NWF’s Plastics Reduction Partner Program
• Sharks in Atlantic, Gulf, and Caribbean Coastal Waters

Once you learn to read those signals, planting for specific pollinator groups becomes easy. Here, we’ll teach you all you need to know to join the conversation!

Pollination Syndromes: How Plants Advertise to Pollinators

Not all plants are pollinated by animals, but about 90% of flowering plants have evolved to attract animal pollinators specifically. It benefits a plant species to focus on one pollinator or a group of pollinators. If all flowers shared the same pollinators, there’s a good chance a lot of pollen will be wasted as the animals visit every other flower species around.

Botanists call these signal patterns ‘pollination syndromes’: predictable traits that reveal which pollinator the flower is courting. Four of these traits do the most talking:

1. Shape: Tube length, opening angle, whether there is space to land
2. Color: Whatever is brightest in the target pollinator’s spectral vision
3. Scent: Sweet, musky fermented, or absent entirely
4. Timing: Day or night openings, seasonal peak

These rules aren’t ironclad (and plenty of flowers are visited by multiple pollinators), but they’re good indicators for who’s meant to show up. Here’s how these traits sort among six groups of pollinators.

Flowers that Attract Bees

Bees are the workhorses of pollination, and was the first species group to evolve as pollination specialists. Flowers built for them tend to be generous with nectar and easy to use.

• Shape: open bowls, landing platforms, or short tubes they can wedge into
• Color: yellow, blue, and purple
• Scent: fresh, sweet, pleasant, strong floral perfumes
• Timing: warm daytime hours (bees turn sluggish below about 55°F, so temperature matters)

Native examples: penstemon, goldenrod, sunflower, and baby blue eyes

Flowers that Attract Butterflies

Butterflies forage mostly by sight and can’t hover, so they need flashy flowers that double as a landing strip. Many flowers built for butterflies also end up attracting some bees.

• Shape: flat, clustered flowers that act as a runway, or long narrow tubes that match a coiled proboscis
• Color: bold pinks, oranges, and purples (butterflies can see muted reds that most bees miss!)
• Scent: faint to mild; showy color is more important
• Timing: daytime in full sun, since most butterflies need to bask before they can fly well

Native examples: Joe-pye weed, butterfly weed, coneflower, and blazing star

Flowers that Attract Moths

When the bees clock out, the moths clock in. In fact, moths evolved from butterflies and took the night shift to take advantage of nectar resources when butterflies aren’t active. Color is far less important than scent for night foragers.

• Shape: long narrow tubes for hovering hawkmoths; open dishes for smaller settling moths
• Color: white, pale pink, or dull yellow (colors that hold light at dusk and catch moonlight)
• Scent: strong and sweet, often released only after dark
• Timing: open or fragrant at dusk and through the night, with many closing by morning

Native examples: phlox, yucca, wild tobacco, and evening primrose

Flowers that Attract Hummingbirds

Hummingbirds, like many birds, have an underdeveloped sense of smell, but unlike most of our other pollinators, they can see red. Hummingbirds are also burn fuel very fast, so their flowers are bright, sugar-rich, and built to keep insects out.

• Shape: long narrow tubes, often tilted down or outward, that exclude most insects
• Color: bright red, orange, and hot pink (birds see red; most insect competitors don’t)
• Scent: little to none
• Timing: daytime, especially mornings and late afternoons when hummingbirds are most active, with nectar refilled often

Native examples: cardinal flower, wax currant, trumpet vine, trumpet honeysuckle

Flowers that Attract Bats

In the American Southwest and the tropics, nectar-feeding bats pollinate many important plants—including the agave behind your margarita! Because bats are much larger than other pollinators, flowers signaling for bats must provide a large amount of dilute nectar.

• Shape: large, robust, bowl- or bell-shaped flowers; many must be sturdy enough for a bat to rest, but some bats hover
• Color: pale white, green, or purple (because bats navigate with echolocation rather than sight, color barely matters)
• Scent: strong, musky, fermented, sometimes sulfurous
• Timing: open at night, often for a single night

Native examples: agave, saguaro, organ pipe cactus, and desert willow

Flowers that Attract Carrion Flies

Not every pollinator wants a sweet reward. Some flowers court carrion flies by impersonating exactly what flies love—rot. These flowers do not reward their pollinators with nectar. They don’t even produce nectar!

• Shape: deep, trap-like flowers that mimic carrion or dung
• Color: dull maroon, brown, mottled green, or speckled to mimic corpses and rot
• Scent: strongly putrid, like rotting meat or feces
• Timing: day or night, depending on species; flies stay active in cool, cloudy weather

Native examples: pawpaw, skunk cabbage, wild ginger, and red trillium

A Pollinator-Plant Cheat Sheet

Use this cheat sheet to learn the language of plants and pollinators!

Invite Pollinators to Your Garden

You don’t need to court every pollinator on this list (and depending on where you live, you couldn’t). The point is to plant with intention: choose natives that match the pollinators already in your region, and aim for a range of colors, shapes, and bloom times so something is always advertising!

Check out NWF’s Native Plant Finder to see which native plants support the most butterflies and moths where you live!

But more importantly than having fun in the sun, is that the ocean is home to more than 200,000 marine wildlife species (that have been identified), and possibly up to more than one million that have yet to be discovered. Our oceans also provide essential support to humans in many ways.

Get ready to be amazed by these wild ocean facts!

• The biggest animal in the world lives in the ocean—it’s the blue whale.
• Greenland sharks can live more than 250 years and dive up to 7,000 feet deep.
• The gender of sea turtle hatchlings is determined by the temperature of the nest—warmer sand produces more females, and cooler sand produces more males.
• Atlantic swordfish can swim up to 50 miles per hour.
• Salmon hatch in freshwater rivers, swim to the ocean to mature, and then go back to the same river in which they were born to spawn.
• Sea snakes are among the most venomous snakes in the world and they breath air.
• Deep-sea sponges produce anti-tumor agents that may be able to treat cancer in humans.

Take our quiz to test your knowledge about the ocean. If you want to boost your chances of getting a 100% on this quiz, first read our blog “Oceans are the Heart of the Planet“.

Hellbenders are one of many creatures I have unfortunately never seen. Growing up in the south, I’ve encountered many kinds of amphibians and reptiles, but this reclusive and uncommon critter eludes me. However, it doesn’t deter me from doing my best to learn all about these fascinating mysteries.

Hellbenders (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis) are fully aquatic amphibians, meaning they spend all of their lives in water. They primarily feed on crayfish, snails, small fish, tadpoles, insects, and worms, and have long life spans, sometimes up to 30 years. Other examples of fully aquatic amphibians are axolotls and mudpuppies, which are often confused due to their similar body shapes, but they’re quite different in biology and lifestyle.

Hellbenders breathe through their skin even though they have gills, but like most amphibians, they lose their frilly external gills once they reach adulthood. While gills are often a telltale sign of amphibians, their absence is a key and fascinating difference between hellbenders and mudpuppies, which retain their distinctive feathery gills throughout life. Their wrinkly skin allows them lots of surface area to breathe while underwater.

That distinctive, rippled appearance has earned them one of their many nicknames, “lasagna lizard”. Shockingly, the nicknames get stranger from here. Despite their odd appearance, Pennsylvania even went so far as to name the Hellbender their official state amphibian.

Hellbenders have many nicknames, including “Snot Otters” and “Devil Dogs”!

What is the lifecycle of hellbenders?

In the fall, the male hellbender finds and cultivates a carefully chosen spot along the river bottom. They carefully select just the right rock and, using their bodies to sweep away gravel and debris, create a protected cavity beneath. He then waits patiently for a female to choose him and his skillfully crafted den for laying her eggs.

Once the female lays her 200 to 400 eggs, the male hellbender remains, guarding and defending the eggs to give his offspring the best chance of survival. For this strategy to work, the water flowing through the nest must remain clean, cold, and free of sediment.

Hellbenders are the only living members of their genus, Cryptobranchus, and have existed for over 150 million years. Sometimes called a “ground puppy,” this species of giant salamander can grow up to 30 inches in length. This long evolutionary history is one reason why protecting their habitat is so important, as these ancient habitat specialists depend on clean, clear, and cold rivers to survive.

Download the Hellbender Fact Sheet to share in your community.

What is the conservation status of hellbenders?

There are two subspecies, and unfortunately, both are facing serious conservation challenges. They are the Eastern Hellbender and the Ozark Hellbender.

The Eastern hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis alleganiensis) has experienced widespread decline across its habitat and listed as endangered in Missouri since 2019. It was recently proposed for federal listing under the Endangered Species Act across all the states where it occurs, including Alabama, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.

In contrast, the Ozark (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis bishopi) was federally listed as endangered in 2011, wherever it’s found, and is now only found in southern Missouri and northeastern Arkansas. This reflects its much smaller range and steep population declines from its historic range.

What is threatening hellbenders?

While the regulatory process can be complex, the broader picture is clear: hellbenders are facing serious challenges. Their habitat is declining, they are increasingly vulnerable to disease, and extreme weather events are placing additional stress on already fragile populations.

For example, Hurricane Helene caused widespread flooding in parts of the region, damaging the cold, clear, fast-moving streams hellbenders depend on. Pollution, sedimentation from land use, and habitat fragmentation from dams and development continue to degrade the rocky streambeds where they live and reproduce.

These threats showcase the importance of a simple but powerful principle: “leave no trace.” A common and preventable activity like stacking rocks, whether for fun or social media, can unintentionally harm hellbender habitat.

Male hellbenders build dens beneath large rocks for nesting, and moving those rocks can destroy critical breeding sites. Even returning rocks to the water can be harmful, as they may crush a hidden hellbender or block access to an existing den.

A common and preventable activity like stacking rocks, whether for fun or social media, can unintentionally harm hellbender habitat.

Scientific research highlights the urgency of the situation. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reports eastern hellbender populations have declined by more than 80% across portions of their historic range, with some populations now functionally extirpated. Because hellbenders require exceptionally clean water and stable stream habitats, their decline often signals broader problems within freshwater ecosystems.

Despite these challenges, hellbenders have captured the imagination of many local communities. These wrinkled amphibians, sometimes affectionately called “snot otters”, have become unlikely conservation mascots. In Boone, North Carolina, residents have rallied around the species, supporting conservation efforts, advocating for stronger protections, and even celebrating the hellbender through public art.

Still, in some places, hellbenders have already disappeared from rivers where they once thrived. Historically present in many streams, they are now absent in areas impacted by decades of pollution, sedimentation, and habitat alteration. These local extirpations are a stark reminder that once populations are lost, recovery is extremely difficult.

• Disease. Disease, including Chytridiomycosis and other fungal infections, has been documented in Ozark populations as well as in Eastern hellbenders in states like Georgia and Pennsylvania.
• Habitat Loss. Habitat degradation remains a central driver of decline, as hellbenders are habitat specialists requiring specific environmental conditions and are highly sensitive to change.
• Damming of Rivers. Low-head dams alter natural habitat and impair how a stream behaves, and removing them allows for a natural river flow, normal sediment load distribution, and high dissolved oxygen.
• Illegal Pet Trade. Lastly, and perhaps most unfortunately, the pet trade hasn’t done hellbenders any favors. However, there is reason for hope. Affiliates of the National Wildlife Federation, including groups in West Virginia, North Carolina, and Arkansas, are actively working to educate the public, promote responsible recreation, and help reverse these trends.

Hellbender Conservation Efforts

Conservation efforts are underway across the country, and several organizations within the National Wildlife Federation affiliate network are leading education, research, and habitat restoration efforts including the North Carolina Wildlife Federation and Arkansas Wildlife Federation.

The Arkansas Wildlife Federation is actively involved in conservation and public outreach related to the Ozark hellbender in Arkansas. The organization collaborates with partners such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission to support restoration and monitoring efforts, particularly in the Eleven Point River watershed, where hellbender populations occur. Their work includes sharing information about ongoing restoration projects and supporting recovery efforts funded for the species in the region.

In addition to conservation partnerships, the federation leads a range of public engagement programs, including wildlife-watching events, social media campaigns to raise awareness about native species and habitats, and also works with the Arkansas Environmental Education Association to help deliver initiatives such as the “Marvelous Misfits” campaign. Through these and other educational efforts, the organization introduces the public to unique wildlife like the hellbender and promotes broader stewardship of Arkansas’s rivers and ecosystems.

North Carolina Wildlife Federation is actively engaged in conservation and outreach efforts focused on the Eastern Hellbender in western North Carolina. The organization has supported policy advocacy by contributing to a comment letter urging the listing of the species under the Endangered Species Act and by raising awareness through blog posts and species spotlight campaigns.

In addition to policy work, the federation coordinates on-the-ground conservation activities through local chapters in the mountains, including stream cleanups and native plantings that help restore aquatic habitats important for hellbenders. Volunteers and partners also participate in surveys at locations such as New River State Park, where participants snorkel in streams to help locate and measure hellbenders as part of monitoring efforts. Following impacts from Hurricane Helene, they hope to shift from reactive work back to proactive species conservation, as they were before.

Take Action! How You Can Help Hellbenders

Even though hellbenders are elusive, advocating for and protecting their habitat is important, even though I’ve never seen one in the wild. Small, everyday choices can make a real difference for these ancient amphibians and the rivers they depend on.

• Do Not Stack Rocks. Avoid moving or stacking rocks in streams. What may seem harmless can destroy nesting sites or crush a hidden hellbender. These animals rely on stable, undisturbed rocks to survive and reproduce.
• Practice “Clean, Drain, Dry”. If you’re fishing or simply recreating, always clean your gear between waterways. This helps prevent the spread of harmful diseases that can devastate amphibian populations.
• Support Clean Water Efforts. Hellbenders need cold, clear, unpolluted streams. You can help by reducing runoff at home (limit fertilizer use, plant native vegetation) and supporting local watershed protection initiatives.
• Be a Responsible Angler. If you accidentally catch a hellbender, release it immediately and gently back into the water. They are sensitive to toxins or pollutants that may be left on your hands. Never keep or handle them unnecessarily, as they are protected in many places and highly sensitive to stress.
• Get Involved Locally. Join stream cleanups, habitat restoration projects, or educational events through organizations like the Arkansas Wildlife Federation, North Carolina Wildlife Federation, or West Virginia Rivers Coalition. These groups are actively working to restore habitats and raise awareness.
• Be A Voice for Wildlife. No matter how big or small we think we are, when we speak up together, our voices can have a huge impact! It can be as simple as talking to friends and family, writing letters, and sharing your voice on social media.
• Support the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act. Encourage your Congressional representatives to fully support and help pass the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act. This historic wildlife legislation offers the best hope for addressing the nation’s wildlife crisis.

Kids’ Corner with Ranger Rick®:

• Watch: Hellbenders
• Read: Salamander City
• Read: Reptile or Amphibian?
• Craft: Feed the Frog
• Game: Kahoot – Awesome Amphibians

Get outside for a Green Hour®

• Search for salamanders
• Look for lizards
• Be a frog scout
• Go on an egg hunt
• Signs of spring

Learn more about the hellbender at NWF’s online wildlife guide.

The American flamingo is one of the largest species of flamingo, it can be up to 5 feet tall due to its long neck and legs. Their beautiful, coral pink feathers are a result of their diet, which includes small shrimp, mollusks, and other invertebrates along with algae and plant material which the flamingos filter from the water with comblike structures in their beak.  However, flamingos can also be red or orange in color!

The American flamingo is one of six species around the world. It can be found in Florida, along most areas of the coast, however, a majority of flamingo sightings occur in the Everglades, Biscayne Bay and the Florida Keys. The American flamingo can also be found in Mexico, South America, and the Caribbean.

The American flamingo is listed as “least concern” on the IUCN Red list, with its population healthy and increasing, however its wetland habitat including salt lagoons and alkaline lakes, continues to face threats from development and pollution. American flamingos were nearly wiped out in Florida in the late 1800s and early 1900s.

Today they are still rare and slowly reappearing, and some scientists have suggested they should be considered for protection because their return is so recent and their populations are very fragile.

American flamingos in the U.S. are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA). Protection under the MBTA means it is illegal to kill, capture, or harm them; possess them, their feathers, nests, or eggs; or sell or trade them without a federal permit.

Experience the flamingo in marvelous 3D anamorphic display on LG’s Times Square billboard in New York City. And read the press release to learn how NWF and LG Electronics celebrated Earth Day 2026, with a focus on recovering wildlife and reconnecting with nature!

Kids’ Corner

• Read: Pink in the Wild
• Read: A Flamingo named Bob
• Get Crafty: Make thumbprint flamingos
• Play a Game: Kahoot: Flamingo Fun
• Watch: Flamingo Dance

Get Outside for a Green Hour®

• Wetlands are wonderful
• Backyard Gifts for Birds 
• Amazing Bird Dads
• Let’s go birding

What is Biofluorescence?

Biofluorescence is the ability to absorb short-wavelength light (ultraviolet or blue) and re-emit it as longer-wavelength, visible light. It is different from bioluminescence, which is when animals produce their own light chemically, the way fireflies or anglerfish do.

Biofluorescent animals need a light source, but once they do they can turn it into something completely different. A drab brown frog becomes electric teal. A porcupine’s quills change from white to blazing blue-green. A grizzled opossum can look like something straight out of a blacklight poster.

Why Do Biofluorescent Animals Glow?

Moths were the first animals scientists learned could glow, back in the early 1900s, but since then they have found the trait basically everywhere they look.

Every single amphibian species tested to date glows. All 2,500 known scorpion species glow. In a recent survey of 125 mammal and marsupial species, every single one showed some degree of fluorescence.

So what is all this glowing for? That’s where things get genuinely interesting, because for many species, we still have no idea.

Secret Communication

For some animals, the glow appears to serve a genuine purpose. The polka-dot tree frog’s glow, for example, accounts for about 30% of all light emanating from the animal (roughly 18% the brightness of a full moon). The wavelengths match almost exactly what frog eyes are most sensitive to. They even leave fluorescent residue on surfaces they touch. Taken together, it seems the light may be used to signal to their own kind.

Some birds show a significant preference for mates with intact fluorescent feathers over those with experimentally blocked. This is strong evidence that, at least for some species, fluorescence probably acts as a sexual signal.

The eastern tube-nosed fruit bat has distinctive vivid yellow-green fluorescent spots that appear to be unique to each individual, which would make sense as a mechanism for individual recognition in large colonies.

Although this species is Australian, we now know that at least six North American bat species glow under UV, including the big brown and Mexican free-tailed bats. Whether any of them use it for communication is still unknown.

Camouflage by Light

This might sound paradoxical until you realize that predators can often also see in UV— which means glowing in UV can help animals disappear into a glowing environment. Some of the strongest evidence comes from reef fish, which can use fluorescence to match the fluorescent colors of backdropped corals.

Research on reef communities has found that glowing species are often cryptic in other ways; for example pipefish with a body form that resembles aquatic grass. Glowing appears largely absent from conspicuous species like surgeonfish.

The tube-nosed fruit bat may use light for camouflage, too. Its UV-reactive wing spots could break up its outline against dried leaves during daytime roosting, helping to avoid UV-sensitive birds and snakes.

Warning Coloration

While some glowing may help an animal stay hidden, it may serve as a warning system for others. The North American porcupine’s quills glow blue-green und UV, which researchers believe make the white tips of their sharp quills even more vivid to predators. That’s in addition to a defense system that already includes high-contrast coloration and pungent gland-secretion. Fluorescence may simply be one more tool in the arsenal.

The Mystery of Mammalian Glow

For many of North America’s most familiar glowing animals, all of the above hypotheses remain speculative at best, and this is especially true for mammals and marsupials. Flying squirrels and opossums are pink, some bats are green, and no one can tell why.

The leading alternative to the above theories is much simpler: it might just be chemistry. All mammal and marsupial fur contain keratin, a protein that fluoresces naturally, and porphyrins—byproducts of making hemoglobin.

Porphyrins are strongly fluorescent and degrade in light, meaning nocturnal animals that aren’t exposed to the sun are able to retain them.

The emerging consensus is that fluorescence is meaningful in some species and incidental in others, and that untangling the two will keep researchers busy for a long time!

Ultraviolet Safari: Try it Yourself!

Many of our glowing species live right alongside us! Consider taking an evening to explore your area in a different light using these guidelines:

• Get a UV flashlight. Look for a 365nm UV flashlight for the best experience.
• Add a filter. Yellow-tinted UV safety glasses block reflected UV and make fluorescent emissions stand out dramatically.
• Time it right. Warm, dark, moonless nights are ideal.
• Navigate with red light. When you need to see your surroundings, use a red light rather than white. It preserves your night vision and minimizes disturbance to wildlife.
• Be considerate. Avoid shining the light directly into an animal’s eyes, and keep exposure time short for vertebrates especially.

Not sure what to look for in your region? Here’s a quick breakdown of which groups glow, and what color:

What are Manatees?

The coastal waters of Florida are the permanent home of the Florida Manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris), a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, a year-round resident. These “gentle giants” are primarily found in shallow, slow-moving rivers, estuaries and coastal bays where they can easily access their primary food source, seagrass. Adult manatees are typically 9-10 feet long from snout to tail and weigh around 1,000 pounds; however, some may grow over 13 feet long and weigh more than 3,500 pounds.

Manatees have finely wrinkled, leathery-looking, thick skin that continuously flakes off. Algae often grows on the backs and tails of manatees, making them appear green or brown. Often called “sea cows,” manatees are aquatic herbivores that spend about eight hours a day grazing seagrass and other water plants. Much like its relative, the elephant, the manatee uses its prehensile upper lip to collect food items, while its flippers, which house jointed “finger” bones like a human’s, allow it to swim, grasp objects, and feed with ease.

As of early 2026, Florida manatees remain officially classified as a threatened species under the federal Endangered Species Act, despite facing several threats. While their population rebounded in 2017, they have since faced an unprecedented mortality crisis from starvation due to habitat loss, pollution and cold stress.

Threats to Manatees

Manatees face several serious threats, many of them tied to human activity. Watercraft collisions remain the most common cause of human‑related manatee deaths, as these slow‑moving animals often swim near the surface and are vulnerable to both blunt impacts from boat hulls and sharp injuries from propellers. Their natural curiosity also puts them at risk of entanglement in discarded plastic, fishing lines and trap ropes, which can cut into their skin, restrict movement or lead to drowning.

At the same time, manatees are losing access to the seagrass beds they depend on for food. Rapid coastal development and nutrient pollution from runoff and septic leaks fuel algal blooms that block sunlight and kill off these vital plants, leaving many manatees struggling to find enough to eat.

Manatees are also highly sensitive to cold water; when temperatures drop below 68°F, they can suffer from cold stress, a condition that weakens their immune system and is especially dangerous for younger animals. Together, these threats create a difficult environment for manatees and highlight the importance of protecting both the species and their fragile habitats.

Conservation Efforts

To address these challenges, conservationists, government agencies, and the public are working together to protect this species and their environment. Present conservation strategies for Florida manatees utilize a diversified, multi-faceted framework.

• Habitat Protection: The Nature Conservancy’s (TNC) Runoff to Resilience pilot project creates a system that networks stormwater ponds with automated controls that respond instantly to rainfall, runoff and upstream water flow to improve water quality. This project is a foundational step toward achieving this future vision.
• Manatee Zones: The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has designated manatee protection zones to safeguard manatees. These zones are crucial for preventing human interference and protecting the habitats of manatees.
• Research: For over 30 years, the Manatee Conservation Research Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium has been involved in a host of research efforts involving manatee behavioral ecology, abundance and distribution and population demographics, as well as habitat studies.
• Rescue and Rehabilitation: The Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership and Manatees – Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park are partners who focus efforts on manatee rescue, rehabilitation, release and monitoring, encouraging awareness with public education and opportunities for active participation.
• Education and Outreach: Save the Manatee Club’s mission is to protect manatees and their aquatic habitat for today and for future generations. A few of their educational and outreach efforts include sending press releases to media outlets, distributing awareness materials and offering virtual education programs to schools and materials for educators.

How You Can Help Manatees

• Obey Speed Zones: Follow all posted speed and access restrictions. Slowing down gives both you and the manatee more time to react.
• Designate a Spotter: Have a passenger keep a lookout for “manatee footprints” (circular swirls on the surface) or snouts breaking the water.
• Wear Polarized Sunglasses: These cut through glare to help you see manatees just below the surface.
• Avoid Seagrass Beds: Stay in deep water channels. Propellers can scar seagrass, destroying the manatees’ primary food source.
• Passive Observation: If you encounter a manatee, keep a respectful distance. Never chase, touch or block their path.
• Never Feed or Water Manatees: It is illegal to provide food or fresh water for wild manatees. This habituates them to humans and attracts them to dangerous areas like marinas.
• Reduce Pollution: Avoid using synthetic fertilizers, which can fuel harmful algal blooms that kill seagrass.
• Clean Up Debris: Properly dispose of fishing lines and trash. Participate in waterway cleanups to prevent manatees from becoming entangled or ingesting litter.
• Support Conservation Groups: Organizations like Save the Manatee Club and the National Wildlife Federation lead research, rescue, and habitat restoration efforts.
• Contact Officials: Advocate for policies that protect natural springs and seagrass habitats, such as the restoration of the Great Florida Riverway.
• Purchase Specialty Plates: If you are a Florida resident, you can purchase a “Save the Manatee” license plate to fund the state conservation programs.

Statewide & Emergency Contacts

If you see an injured, distressed, or dead manatee, use these official hotlines: Florida (FWC): Call 1-888-404-3922 and Alabama/Mississippi (Dauphin Island Sea Lab): Call 1-866-493-5803

Seeing Florida’s manatees during their winter migration was at the top of my bucket list, and a few years ago, I traveled with my partner to see them in Blue Spring State Park. It was a day I will always remember! I will have the opportunity to work with the Panhandle Manatee Program to help them increase educational outreach on April 18 at the Earth Day Pensacola Festival.

The 2026 theme for the event is “Planet vs. Plastics”, and there will be eco-focused vendors, information booths and a children’s area. Manatees are a treasured symbol of Florida, and these unique marine animals rely on our protection to survive. For more information on how you can help, visit any of the linked websites in this article.

Emily Jordan is Escambia County’s Sea Turtle and Manatee Intern, representing the National Wildlife Federation. She is an undergraduate student of the University of West Florida, where she is pursuing her bachelor’s degree in environmental science and environmental management. She is dedicated to the long-term stewardship of Florida’s local ecosystems and plans to focus her professional efforts on the conservation and recovery of regional wildlife.

How does this work? We’ll be picking four species to represent each region—north, south, east, and west—with a total of 16 species. Then, after seeding each region, they’ll be going head-to-head in our bracket. The only difference between March Madness and Critter Craziness is that you will be deciding our ultimate winner. 

Prepare for The Big Prance, Critter Chaos, and Final Fur! Follow our social media channels, and vote on our 24-hour LinkedIn and Instagram polls to join in on all the Critter Craziness.

VOTING BEGINS MARCH 23!

2026 Critter Craziness: Bracket Schedule and Dates

Savory Sixteen: March 23rd – March 26th (8 matchups | 4 days)

• Monday, March 23rd: North 
• Tuesday, March 24th: East
• Wednesday, March 25th: South
• Thursday, March 26th: West

Elite Ate: March 30th – March 31st (4 matchups | 2 days)

• Monday, March 30th: North/East
• Tuesday, March 31st: South/West

Final Fur: April 1st (2 matchups | 1 day)

• Wednesday, April 1st: North/East vs South/West

Chompionship: April 3rd (1 matchup | 1 day) 

• Friday, April 3rd: Final

Regional Matchups

North Region

• 1st Seed: Sea otter 
• 2nd Seed: Canada Lynx 
• 3rd Seed: Grey Wolf
• 4th Seed: Common Loon

East Region

• 1st Seed: Raccoon
• 2nd Seed: Porcupine 
• 3rd Seed: Ruby-throated Hummingbird 
• 4th Seed: Eastern Hellbender

South Region

• 1st Seed: Manatee 
• 2nd Seed: Monarch butterfly
• 3rd Seed: Bobcat
• 4th Seed: Loggerhead Sea Turtle

West Region

• 1st Seed: Grizzly bear 
• 2nd Seed: Mountain lion 
• 3rd Seed: Mountain goat 
• 4th Seed: Great-horned owl

Additional Information

• Vote: LinkedIn | Instagram Story 
• Learn more: NWF Wildlife Guide 
• Donate: Adopt An Animal