Ecosystems

Fossils

Rhinos, camels and bone-crushing dogs once roamed Nebraska

Scientists digging into the remnants of an ancient watering hole in Nebraska discovered evidence of an Africa-like savanna, complete with rhinos.

Ecosystems

Urchin takeover underlies California’s vanishing kelp forests

Some 95 percent of kelp forests along its northern coast are gone. Meanwhile, sea otters are helping slow the loss of surviving kelp farther south.

Animals

Science and Indigenous history team up to help spirit bears

When scientists and Indigenous people work together, their efforts can benefit bears and people.

Animals

Explainer: Black bear or brown bear?

If you see a bear, check size, shape and more to find out what type it is.

Animals

Changing people’s behavior can make bear life better

Black bears don’t always live life on the wild side. More and more, they live near people. Here’s how people and bears can get along.

Climate

Changing climate now threatens northern lakes year round

Lakes in northern climes are getting warmer, and that’s not good for people, plants or animals.

Animals

More playtime and meatier meals might reduce kitty kills

Keeping cats indoors is the best way to prevent them from killing wildlife. But small changes to diet and play can help, too.

Agriculture

Healthy soils are life-giving black gold

Scientists explain why everyone needs to value the soils beneath our feet — and why we should not view them as dirt.

Agriculture

Soil (and its inhabitants) by the numbers

Teeming with life, soils have more going on than most of us realize.

Environment

What you can do to improve soils

Soils are the life-sustaining structures under our feet. Here are some tips for keeping soils healthy. First rule of thumb: Give more than you take.

Animals

Newfound technique allows some tree snakes to climb wide trees

When a tree is too wide to climb, brown tree snakes use a lasso-like trick to slowly ascend up to snacks.

Ecosystems

Can people protect as much space as nature needs?

To save biodiversity, nations are drafting a plan to protect 30 percent of Earth by 2030. Up for debate is how best to do that.