Nature
Australian Swimmer Claims Chilling Encounter with the Loch Ness Monster
Australian swimmer claims close encounter with Loch Ness Monster—and he’s got the tattoo to prove it.
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Australian swimmer claims close encounter with Loch Ness Monster—and he’s got the tattoo to prove it.
Nature
Anyone who’s ever read a fairy tale or watched a slasher movie knows some messed-up stuff goes down in the woods. This latest example from Waltham, Massachusetts, is no exception.
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Tropical Storm Debby is bringing out a lot in people - grit, perseverance, a desire to get the hell away from it and stay dry. It’s also bringing out other things, like illegal drugs washing up on shore in Florida to the tune of over $1 million.
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Turns out you don’t have to follow the age-old oaths sworn before serving jury duty. This past week in a British court, one juror was permitted to swear on a river, which came as a surprise to many, not to mention to the river itself.
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If you like to take long walks along the beach, make sure you bring a tow truck.
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When life gives you cicadas, make cicada-ade. Or perhaps combine the noisy insects having a once-in-a-17-year season throughout the Midwest with another regional phenomenon, disgusting Chicago liqueur Malört?
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Usually, the sound of crickets brings to mind a relaxing, quiet nightscape… or the sound of epically bombing at an open mic. But for some towns in the west this spring, the sound—and sight—of crickets is deafening.
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A voodoo doll, a pregnancy test, and denture powder were among the recently found items during a cleanup of New Jersey beaches, along with lots of insecurity over whether New York’s beaches were better.
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Get ready for the Cicada-pocalypse! Cicadas, some possessed with a zombie-like fungus, will be emerging from under our feet this springtime in numbers not seen for generations.
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As it turns out, that eclipse was not the end of the world. I just hope to have this mess cleaned up by the time the next one rolls around.
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People are worried about not seeing the solar eclipse, but for some, not seeing it is their only option. Here’s how their experience will also be ruined.
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Your entire understanding of space comes from the Star Wars franchise. But no one you’re watching the upcoming solar eclipse with has to know that.
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New York state puts the kibosh on a captive audience wanting to witness next week’s eclipse, and prisoners are suing for the right to go blind.
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We all know Raccoons are the criminal underbelly of the animal kingdom. This Dutch zoo just learned that the hard way.
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A nocturnal lemur from Madagascar, the aye-aye, uses its elongated middle finger for percussive foraging, aka getting to third base with female aye-ayes. Despite its fascinating adaptations, it faces threats from jealous locals who can’t please their women.
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A Male Bald Eagle who was trying to hatch a rock ends up raising an eaglet. My buddy Steve could really learn some lessons.
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Wiry hair obscuring eyes, smooshed faces lacking symmetry, gangly legs that seem too long or short — these pooches will win no beauty pageants. Some dog breeds are considered downright ugly by most people’s standards. However, beauty is only fur-deep, and their owners have nothing but unconditional love for them. Here are the top contenders for the oddest-looking canines out there.
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Scientists in the UK discovered that if you have the bright lights, the scallops will come. Velvet ropes and bouncers can’t be far behind.
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Wilbur, a Hoffman’s two-toed sloth at Palm Beach Zoo, gave birth to a healthy baby as part of a Species Survival Plan. The pair are doing well, under close observation in their habitat, contributing to the conservation of their species.
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In a rare occurrence, a 4-foot-long loggerhead turtle was found cold-stunned on Earnse Bay beach in northwestern England. Prompt action by local resident Paul Knight and marine biologist Sarah Neill leads to its rescue and transfer to Blackpool Sea Life Center.
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Little Blue Penguins, or “Fairy” Penguins charm onlookers with their diminutive stature and distinctive blue plumage. These aquatic maestros exhibit serial monogamy, nest in burrows, and engage in courtship dances, and are a marvel of the Southern Hemisphere.
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Shark fishing experts Blaine Kenny and Dylan Wier reel in a 1,200-pound, 12-foot great white shark off Navarre Beach, Florida. The hour-long battle, captured on their YouTube channel, ends with the shark’s release back into the ocean.
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Deceptively serene, the Bolton Strid in Yorkshire, England, conceals a deadly secret beneath its calm surface. Known as the world’s most dangerous waterway, it has claimed numerous lives with its lethal currents and submerged rocks, and legend of a chilling 100% fatality rate.
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Honshu, a Japanese macaque, embarked on a five-day adventure in the Scottish Highlands before being safely returned to the Highland Wildlife Park. The escapade, dubbed the ‘Highland Monkey Adventure,’ captivated the community and ended with a successful capture.
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An eastern rat snake, having swallowed a gear shift knob, underwent successful surgery at the Second Chance Wildlife Center. The unusual case left both herpetology and automotive communities astonished, and it’s believed that the snake mistook the knob as an egg.
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Flaco, a Eurasian eagle owl, escaped from Central Park Zoo a year ago, becoming a symbol of resilience and freedom. Despite the mystery of his daring escape, he thrives in the urban wilds, captivating New Yorkers and obtaining international attention.
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Researchers at UC Riverside captured the first-ever footage of a newborn great white shark, challenging long-standing mysteries of their birthing habits. If confirmed, this discovery could have significant implications for the conservation of this endangered species.
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South Australian birdwatchers were astounded to spot a king penguin, typically found in Antarctica, on a local beach. Despite concerns for its well-being, the National Parks and Wildlife Service reassured the public about the penguin’s welfare.
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Mystic and Mayhem are the names given to the alligator siblings at Gatorland Orlando. A dedicated exhibit is being built for these rare creatures, enhancing our knowledge of genetic diversity in alligators.
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Plastic straws, one of the most common plastic pollutants found on coastlines, may soon be a thing of the past. Scientists at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) have identified promising new materials that break down quickly in the ocean.
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Breakthrough research from Cold Spring Harbor Lab reveals how Alston’s singing mice provide insights into the brain’s time processing. Neurons in the orofacial motor cortex exhibit temporal scaling, offering clues to adaptive behavior.
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A western diamondback rattlesnake found itself entangled in a bicycle’s spokes in an Arizona garage. The snake was safely removed by Bryce Anderson of Rattlesnake Solutions and released into the wild.
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Hundreds of sea turtles in North Carolina’s coastal regions fell victim to frigid temperatures, prompting rescue and rehabilitation efforts by several conservation teams. Despite the loss, the community’s vigilance and timely interventions offer hope for the survival of these creatures.
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A new deep-sea isopod species has been discovered in the Exuma Sound, Bahamas, and has been named Booralana nickorum. This large-eyed translucent crustacean plays a vital role in deep-sea ecosystems, contributing to the ecological health and balance.
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A viral TikTok video from Gator Country, Texas, reveals an alligator’s survival strategy in freezing temperatures, submerging in ice with its snout poking through to breathe. This winter behavior, called brumation is an example of nature’s amazing adaptability.
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The remarkable influx of 932 manatees seeking refuge from the cold at Blue Spring State Park in Florida not only shattered previous records but demonstrated the critical role the park plays in the conservation of these gentle giants.
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The first full moon of 2024 is a celestial event known as the “Wolf Moon” which has inspired folklore and myths for centuries. Peaking on January 25, it symbolizes inner strength and courage, offering an opportunity to clarify goals and strengthen bonds.
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An international team aboard the Schmidt Ocean Institute’s R/V Falkor discovered four new deep-sea octopus species near Costa Rica. These findings, including a distinct Muusoctopus species, help expand our understanding of deep-sea ecosystems.
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A groundbreaking study reveals that the Megalodon was slimmer & longer than previously believed. The revised understanding impacts marine ecology, feeding habits, and proposes new theories about the ancient giant shark’s extinction.
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Researchers in Western Australia have discovered two new venomous scorpion species, Urodacus uncinus and Urodacus lunatus. This significant find of arachnids with uncommon reproductive structures reinforces the need for understanding and conservation of these creatures.
Nature
A recent study reveals that Southern Africa’s rhinoceros populations face severe threats from climate change, with rising temperatures rendering their habitats increasingly unsuitable. Urgent adaptation strategies are needed to preserve the future of these iconic species.
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The pink fairy armadillo, a tiny mammal from central Argentina, exhibits a unique double skin layer, an adaptation to its subterranean lifestyle. Threatened by human activities, its elusive nature leaves many questions about its population and conservation status unanswered.
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A recent study has shown that hummingbirds master flight with a surprising mix of “autopilot” for forward motion and precise vision for hovering, offering clues for programming next-gen autonomous drones and flying cars.
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University of Florida researchers discovered a groundbreaking method to recover bobcat DNA from pawprints. Published in Biological Conservation, the study unveiled insights into bobcats’ ancestry and microbial communities.
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Southwest Florida’s manatee conservation triumph shines through restored sanctuaries such as Three Sisters Springs and Warm Mineral Springs. These refuges, fueled by committed initiatives, curb erosion and also provide vital havens for these gentle giants in the colder months.
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It’s National Houseplant Day, the one day a year when we celebrate the unsung heroes of our living rooms—those resilient green companions that have survived our sporadic watering habits and questionable singing in the name of ambiance.
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Rodney Holbrook, a wildlife photographer in Wales discovered a diligent rodent, dubbed “Welsh Tidy Mouse,” tidying up his shed each night. The mouse’s meticulous organization of small items into a tray captured on camera, highlighting its hoarding instincts.
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The largest Sydney funnel-web spider ever has been discovered on Australia’s Central Coast. Nicknamed “Hercules”, he has been donated to the Australian Reptile Park, where his substantial venom yield is expected to significantly contribute to the park’s anti-venom production.
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A Green Honeycreeper exhibiting half-female, half-male plumage, a rare phenomenon known as bilateral gynandromorphism, was documented in Columbia by a University of Otago zoologist. This second recorded instance in over a century offers valuable insights into avian biology.
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In Queensland, Australia, a routine call to unblock a toilet led to an unexpected discovery of a venomous blue-bellied black snake. The snake was safely captured by wildlife wrangler Tennille Bankes, and relocated to its natural habitat in nearby bushland.
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On New Year’s Day, a Minnesota resident captured rare aerial footage of “ice pancakes,” circular-shaped ice formations, floating along the Mustinka River. The phenomenon, typically associated with cold oceans and lakes, occurred due to specific weather conditions.
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A young tigress ventured from the confines of the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, perching on the wall of a gurdwara in Atkona village and drawing a massive crowd. Swiftly responding, forest officials orchestrated a delicate mission to safely return it to the reserve.
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At Florida’s Hideaway Beach Club, police officers used golf clubs from the nine-hole course to subdue a nine-foot Burmese python. The creative and resourceful approach of law enforcement has helped address the persistent threat posed by these exotic snakes in the Sunshine State.
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A man in South Lake Tahoe undertook the mission to remove a large black bear that had selected a crawlspace beneath a cabin for hibernation. Armed solely with a paintball gun and a flashlight, he successfully prompted the bear to swiftly vacate its winter den.
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A Good Samaritan and her daughter rescued Rosealini, a rare long-tailed duck from the Arctic, found bleeding in the middle of a town street. The Indiana community came together to rehabilitate and release the unexpected visitor back to nature
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A tooth of the gigantic Megalodon has been found in the Pacific Ocean close to Hawaii. While teeth from this ancient creature aren’t particularly rare, this is the first tooth found “in situ”, meaning its discovery is believed to be at the location where it came out of the creature’s mouth.
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Rising to viral fame, a 600kg southern elephant seal is captivating social media with his mischievous adventures in Tasmania’s beach towns. Conservation concerns raised by marine scientists highlight the delicate balance between human fascination and wildlife preservation.
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Rarely seen venomous sea creatures, Blue Sea Dragons and Blue Buttons, washed ashore in India following floods and an industrial oil spill. Residents and visitors have been urged to exercise caution due to the creatures’ venomous nature, raising concerns about public safety.
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In the azure waters of Tiger Beach in the Bahamas, a remarkable friendship began in 2001, unveiling the gentle and playful nature of these often misunderstood apex predators. This bond serves as evidence of sharks’ sentient nature, advocating for a shift in public perception.
Nature
A new study reveals a devastating truth: human activities have driven the extinction of twice as many bird species as we previously knew. The disappearance of these birds signifies more than their vanishing, it also disrupts crucial ecological roles essential for the balance of ecosystems.
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A team of scientists had a remarkable encounter with a humpback whale named “Twain” during their study of whale communication. The team aims to apply their findings to the search for extraterrestrial intelligence, utilizing the study of non-human communication systems.
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Scientists have stumbled upon a hidden prehistoric world in Argentina’s Puna de Atacama desert. The discovery of green lagoons teeming with ancient bacteria may rewrite our understanding of Earth’s early life forms and inform future Mars exploration.
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The fossil of a gorgosaurus, a cousin of the Tyrannosaurus Rex, has revealed what this juvenile dinosaur’s last meal was - two small dinosaurs called citipes. The findings have shed light on the difference in hunting habits of the juveniles compared to their adult counterparts.
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The fossil of a massive, 150-million-year-old pliosaur has been discovered in the cliffs of the UK. The pliosaur, nicknamed the “underwater T. Rex,” is estimated to be up to 39 feet long and could possibly be a new species.
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A bighorn sheep found itself on the roof of a Boulder County home after spending 36 hours at the house, both on the roof and the deck. After a wildlife officer intervened, the adventurous ram finally made his way back to the familiar foothills.
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Florida witnesses history as a white alligator, born in captivity, captivates hearts with its unique charm. The Sunshine State’s wildlife preserve celebrates the arrival of this leucistic marvel, marking a groundbreaking moment in the world of reptilian wonders.
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The monumental voyage of Iceberg A23a, an ice mass larger than New York City, from Antarctica to the open ocean is altering the marine environment. This significant journey, closely monitored by scientists, is a unique opportunity to study our planet’s dynamic polar regions.
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An alligator missing her upper jaw, “Jawlene” is making remarkable progress at Gatorland in Orlando, Florida. Despite her injury, she’s gaining weight and strength, exhibiting the adaptability of the American Alligator.
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On a hunting trip, Nebraska’s Samantha Camenzind bagged a big buck and received a surprise proposal from boyfriend Cole. Their unique love story, blending a shared passion for hunting with a romantic engagement, captivated friends and a fall wedding is planned.
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Proliferating in Canada, “super pigs,” a hybrid of Eurasian wild boar and domestic swine, pose a threat to invade the U.S., causing significant agricultural damage and spreading disease. Described as an “ecological train wreck,” aggressive measures are deemed necessary for effective control.
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Jacob Knowles, a Maine lobsterman, introduces Bowie, a one-in-50-million lobster, to his 2.6M TikTok followers, captivating millions with its rare split color and gender. Named after David Bowie, it adds an extraordinary chapter to Knowles’ oceanic adventures.