DNA testing and other advancements mean trafficked animals can return home New technology is making it easier to find the origins of trafficked wildlife and so they can be released back to the habitat they came from, instead of languishing for decades as sometimes happens. Ari Daniel
The winner of Florida's 2024 python challenge captured 20 of the invasive snakes The annual Burmese python hunt has concluded in South Florida. This year's winner captured 20 of the invasive snakes. Hosts
A massive baby penguin named Pesto is inhaling fish and winning fans Pesto, who weighs 46 pounds at just nine months old, has been on display at an Australian aquarium since April. As he grew, so did his social media fanbase — especially after a recent gender reveal. Rachel Treisman
The history most people don't know about rats Where there are humans, there are rats. But new research says we still have a lot to learn about our furry, often reviled, companions. Nathan Rott
Meet Moo Deng, the baby pygmy hippo so popular you can visit her for only 5 minutes A baby pygmy hippopotamus in a Thailand zoo has become a worldwide internet sensation, leading to crowds at the zoo. Zoo officials say the increased attention has led to some bad visitor behavior. Chandelis Duster
Officials in New York say they have a solution to the city's rat problem New York City has lots of rats. Officials are trying to contain them by resorting to something many other cities have relied on for years. Jeongyoon Han
In Portland, thousands gather to marvel at migrating birds’ nighttime routine As Vaux’s Swifts migrate south, they roost together in a chimney, drawing crowds Deena Prichep
Thousands of Portlanders show up to watch a flock of migrating Vaux's swifts Since the 1980s, a flock of Vaux’s Swifts has been roosting in a Portland chimney during the month of September, on their way to their winter home in Central and South America. Thousands of Portlanders show up to watch them. Deena Prichep
Washington woman attacked by bear says her dogs provoked the incident, then came to her rescue It was late in the morning and the heat was building outside of Kettle Falls, Washington, when Lynn O’Connor came face to face with a bear. Kim Malcolm
Beloved 'Russian spy whale' Hvaldimir is found dead under mysterious circumstances A beloved beluga whale with a mysterious past was found dead in the waters of Norway over the weekend. Admirers are paying tribute as authorities investigate. Rachel Treisman