Articles for category: Human–Animal Dynamics, Wildlife

11 Backyard Animals That Quietly Watch Humans More Than We Realize

11 Backyard Animals That Quietly Watch Humans More Than We Realize

Sameen David

You probably think you’re alone when you step into your yard to grab the mail in your pajamas, water the tomatoes, or pace during a phone call. You’re not. Hidden in the hedge, perched on the power line, or crouched under the deck, an entire cast of wild neighbors is quietly clocking your every move. ...

Tasmanian devil with its mouth open and teeth bared.

Why Tasmanian Devils Yell Like Gremlins and Eat Literally Everything

Trizzy Orozco

Picture a moonlit night in the wild forests of Tasmania. Suddenly, the silence is shattered by a blood-curdling scream—half cackle, half snarl, echoing through the trees. It sounds like a creature from a forgotten nightmare or a mischievous gremlin let loose. Yet, what’s making this chaos is very real: the Tasmanian devil. This small marsupial, ...

The Neuroscience of Animal Emotions: What It Means for Conservation Efforts

Annette Uy

Our understanding of animal emotions has significantly evolved over the past few decades, thanks to advancements in neuroscience. This field of study sheds light on the emotional lives of animals, revealing complexities that were once thought to be the exclusive domain of humans. By exploring how animals experience and express emotions, we can better appreciate ...

people walking on street during daytime

The Growing Movement for Animal Rights: From Factory Farms to Wild Habitats

Annette Uy

The movement for animal rights has a rich history, emerging prominently in the late 20th century. Historically, animals have been viewed as commodities or resources for human use, be it through domestication, labor, or food production. Over time, however, philosophical shifts and scientific insights have led to a reevaluation of the ethical dimensions of how ...

baby elephant on green grass

Why Elephants Think We’re Cute (According to Science)

Have you ever gazed into the wise, gentle eyes of an elephant and felt an uncanny sense of connection? Imagine, for a moment, that these majestic giants might find us just as adorable as we find them. It sounds whimsical, almost like a page out of a storybook, but science is beginning to unravel the ...

Microbiome lab

How the Microbiome Affects Animal Behavior and Health

Annette Uy

The microbiome is a complex ecosystem of microorganisms that dwell in and on animals, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microorganisms. While these microscopic entities are tiny on their own, they collectively play pivotal roles in the lives of their host animals. In recent years, the scientific community has uncovered fascinating insights into how the ...

What It Means When a Hawk Circles Above Your House Repeatedly

What It Means When a Hawk Circles Above Your House Repeatedly

Sameen David

When a hawk circles above your house over and over, it is hard not to feel like something bigger is going on. You might catch yourself stepping outside, hand over your eyes, wondering whether this bird is bringing a message, a warning, or just looking for lunch. That mix of curiosity and unease is completely ...