Natural Sciences feed

Amazon deforestation rate up 88 percent over last year

Stephen Messenger — Mon, 20 May 2013 16:45:19 -0400

Despite a steady decline in deforestation in recent years, the latest figure suggests indicate a change of direction.

See what it's like to be eaten by a Grizzly bear in Alaska (video from GoPro camera)

Michael Graham Richard — Mon, 20 May 2013 12:25:22 -0400

Ever wondered what it's like to be eaten by a grizzly bear? Probably not... Except maybe in a nightmare. In any case, it's now possible to see (if not feel) what it's like from the safety of your home.

Mysterious anteater birth is ripe for an anteater-themed soap opera

Stephen Messenger — Fri, 17 May 2013 18:57:00 -0400

Armani has some explaining to do. But she is, of course, an anteater, and they're notoriously tight-lipped.

Cats are going extinct: 12 most endangered feline species

Jaymi Heimbuch — Fri, 17 May 2013 09:57:00 -0400

It is Endangered Species Day and we are acknowledging it by bringing attention to these feline species that are on the verge of disappearing.

Dogs are going extinct: 8 most endangered canid species

Jaymi Heimbuch — Fri, 17 May 2013 06:00:00 -0400

It is Endangered Species Day and we are acknowledging it by bringing attention to these canid species that are on the brink of disappearing.

Kindhearted cop halts traffic pursuit to escort a family of ducks off the road (Video)

Stephen Messenger — Thu, 16 May 2013 16:37:06 -0400

Who says the motto "to protect and serve" only applies to people?

Fewer trees mean less rain, decreased hydropower

Chris Tackett — Thu, 16 May 2013 09:20:00 -0400

A new study published by The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences serves as a great example of the interconnectedness of nature and how human activity can disrupt life-sustaining systems.

Researcher decodes prairie dog language, discovers they've been talking about us (Video)

Stephen Messenger — Tue, 14 May 2013 21:15:09 -0400

The results show that praire dogs aren't only extremely effective communicators, they also pay close attention to detail.

Need some perspective on time? Here is Today

Michael Graham Richard — Tue, 14 May 2013 13:45:43 -0400

It's very hard for our puny human brains to understand the vastness of space and the immensity of time that has passed since the formation of the Earth or the universe.

Former landfill transformed into a nature reserve opens in the UK

Stephen Messenger — Mon, 13 May 2013 17:29:04 -0400

"What you have done here...is a monument to what can be done to restore nature."

Poacher trampled to death by the elephant he was trying to shoot

Stephen Messenger — Mon, 13 May 2013 01:37:03 -0400

As their numbers continue to slip lower despite efforts to curb illegal hunting, the elephants themselves may soon prove to be a poacher's greatest deterrent.

Tree surgeon in England goes out of his way to save 20,000 bees

Stephen Messenger — Sun, 12 May 2013 20:46:37 -0400

Thankfully, there are folks like John Joinson who are doing their part to keep those black and yellow bugs in the pink.

Indian villagers rush to the rescue of a baby elephant (Video)

Stephen Messenger — Thu, 09 May 2013 17:07:58 -0400

While it's safe to say that the kindhearted locals were driven by empathy and compassion, thankfully a video has emerged to ensure that their show of altruism doesn't go unnoticed by the world.

Oops. Dangerous Giant African Snail found in Texas turns out to be Rosy Wolf Snail

Michael Graham Richard — Thu, 09 May 2013 16:19:29 -0400

It looks like the Giant African Snail that was discovered in Houston, Texas, was actually a Rosy Wolf Snail, which is native to North-America.

'Critter cams' capture life from a bear's point of view (Video)

Stephen Messenger — Wed, 08 May 2013 16:19:04 -0400

Biologists are now beginning to get a better idea of what urban bears are up to when they think no one is watching.