National Geographic News - Animals & Nature

Largest Web-Spinning Spider Found

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

The female of the new golden orb-weaver species Nephila komaci has a leg span of up to five inches—about ten times larger than the male—say scientists who found the giant web-spinning spider.

Crime-Fighting Leech Fingers Perp

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Police in Australia say a blood-engorged leech, through DNA testing, led them to a man responsible for the robbery eight years ago of a 71-year-old woman.Video

Alligators Sing to Set Up Singles Clubs? (With Video)

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Only an alligator could truly understand the allure of this thunderous "chorus." But a new study says the song may be an invitation to reptilian romantic networking.

Chimps Display Humanlike Good Will

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Without having been trained to do so, chimps in a Japanese study helped their fellow apes access elusive juice. The researchers say this adds to evidence that chimps are more similar to humans than previously thought. Video

PICTURES: Best Mountain Photos of 2009 Announced

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

A steam-shrouded bison, a bikini-clad diver, a seven-year-old shepherd, and other wild wonders stalk our selection of winning pictures from the latest Banff Mountain Photography Competition.

Swine Flu in Swine: Flu Could Worsen; Industry at Risk

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

It's only a matter of time before swine flu jumps to U.S. pigs, experts say. Scientists say H1N1 could strengthen while in the animals, while farmers—already battered by the perception that pork is unsafe—fear even worse sales.

GIANT SNAKE PICTURES: Alien Species Invading U.S.?

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Giant alien snakes--some of which have been known to kill humans--could easily colonize Florida and other parts of the United States, a new report says.

Alien Giant Snakes Threaten to Invade Up to 1/3 of U.S.

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Nine giant snakes could be on the verge of causing ecological catastrophe if they establish themselves in the U.S. wild—at least two have already set up shop in Florida—according to a new report.

ODD NEW PTEROSAUR: "Darwin's Wing" Fills Evolution Gap

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

A newfound fossil predator, which may have hunted other flyers, is a hodgepodge of older and more modern flying reptiles, scientists say, bridging a gap in pterosaur evolution.

World's Biggest Snake Lived in 1st "Modern" Rain Forest

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

If the largest snake that ever lived were still slithering today, it would feel right at home in South America's rain forests, newfound fossils from the snake's ancient home reveal.