Land mammal news, features and articles
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Kanzi the bonobo could play pretend — a trait thought unique to humansPast anecdotal observations have hinted that great apes play pretend. But now, experimental research shows that our closest living relatives can keep track of imaginary objects.
By Sophie Berdugo Published
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Grim photo captures polar bear mom and cubs resting in mud in summer heatAn image of polar bears napping along the Hudson Bay coast in Canada has been shortlisted for the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Nuveen People's Choice Award 2026.
By Sascha Pare Published
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'System in flux': Scientists reveal what happened when wolves and cougars returned to YellowstoneLarge carnivores are both clashing and coexisting in the western United States. Although wolves dominate cougars and steal their prey, cougars' shift from elk- to deer-heavy diets, paired with a rugged landscape for escape, might help cougars avoid violent wolf encounters.
By Olivia Ferrari Published
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'Part of the evolutionary fabric of our societies': Same-sex sexual behavior in primates may be a survival strategy, study findsA new study comparing 59 species of primates linked same-sex sexual behavior to scarce resources and more predators in socially complex species. The findings show diverse sexual behaviors are common — and likely beneficial in primates.
By Olivia Ferrari Published
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Coyote scrambles onto Alcatraz Island after perilous, never-before-seen swimExperts have reacted to a viral video of a coyote swimming to Alcatraz Island in what is a surprising first for the San Francisco Bay Area.
By Patrick Pester Published
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Ever watched a pet cow pick up a broom and scratch herself with it? You have nowA pet cow in Austria started using a broom to scratch herself — the first ever documented case of bovine tool use.
By Chris Simms Published
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Ancient mummified cheetahs discovered in Saudi Arabia contain preserved DNA from the long-lost populationCheetahs vanished from Saudi Arabia half a century ago. Now long-dead mummified big cats may help herald their return.
By Sarah Wild Published
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Woolly rhino flesh pulled from ancient wolf stomach gives clues to ice age giant's extinctionMore than 14,000 years ago, a wolf pup ate a piece of woolly rhino. Scientists have analyzed the rhino's DNA to figure out why it went extinct.
By Kristina Killgrove Published
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Did any cat breeds develop naturally?Humans have undoubtedly bred cats to create certain breeds, but did any of these feline breeds emerge naturally?
By Katherine Irving Published
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