Why do badgers have stripes?
A badger's distinctive markings have long puzzled naturalists
Exquisitely preserved animal pulled from ancient swamp in Illinois. Strange dimples on body reveal what killed it
The specimen was found at Mazon Creek fossil beds, a site known for its beautifully preserved animals and plants.
"Its mouth is the size of a garage" – Just why do bowhead whales have such large heads?
Wildlife expert Stuart Blackman explains why bowhead whales have such large heads...
See wildlife without distraction: why you should consider solo travel in 2026
Save big on unforgettable trips
It looks like a pig – but this is no ordinary pig. It lives 3 miles down in the ocean, crawling along the sea floor using weird, inflatable legs
This strange pink animal roams the deep ocean, feeding on decay and moving with hydraulic “feet.
5 animals that can turn themselves inside out - from reversible anuses to exploding intestines
When it comes to these animals, the natural world proves that internal body parts shouldn't always stay that way...
With a population of 15 million this is the biggest mammal gathering on Earth – and it happens in Texas...
Forget festivals and sporting events, the Bracken Cave bat colony is considered to be the largest gathering of mammals on Earth
Winterwatch 2026: All you need to know about the brand new filming location for the BBC wildlife series
Winterwatch is expected to return in 2026, showing off the most amazing nature and wildlife the UK has to offer – and with a new filming location
“They are much more challenging animals.” What is a wolf-dog and how are they different to domestic dogs?
Wolf-dogs are becoming more popular, but what is a wolf-dog, and what are the legal requirements, risks and ethics of owning one?
These are the world’s smallest (and adorable) bear species – and no, you still can’t cuddle them
Small in size, big in bite. From unusual eating habits to strange behaviours, we explore what makes the world’s smallest bears unique.
Birds
Why is a group of crows called a murder?
Wondered why a group of crows earned the rather dark title of 'a murder of crows'? Mike Toms explains how this strange collective noun came about
It once numbered in the millions and even blocked out the sun – so why did the passenger pigeon suddenly become extinct?
All you need to know about the passenger pigeon, including why this once abundant bird went extinct
Researchers strapped cameras to penguins in Antarctica and followed them into the deep. What they filmed is incredible
Scientists put tiny cameras on penguins’ backs in efforts to gather evidence to support new marine protected areas in Antarctica.
Firestarter: They set the land ablaze from the sky – and then wait for their prey to run
Feathered arsonists spread fire to fill their bellies
Can birds understand each other? Just how do they team up to fight predators?
Birds speak different languages – but when danger strikes, some learn to listen, decoding unfamiliar calls through the voices of others
Buzzing chainsaws, clattering machine guns and metallic hammering: 7 of the weirdest bird noises on Earth
Not all birds have a sweet-sounding melody, as this raucous bunch proves...
How to identify wildlife
Red squirrel vs grey squirrel: Think you know how they differ? Think again as the differences between these two squirrels will surprise you
We take a look at how the red squirrel differs to its American grey cousin
Brown rat or water vole: How to tell the difference between these two lookalike-rodents
When all you've seen is a flash of brown fur, it can be hard to know whether it was a water vole or rat. Though the two species tend to live in different habitats, there are areas where they overlap, potentially leading to cases of mistaken identity. So how do you tell rats and water voles apart?
Mink or otter? What's the difference between these two slippery, semiaquatic lookalikes?
How do you tell the difference between otters and mink?
LRPs, PG Tips and Jizz: Cracking the secret language of birders
You’re sitting in a hide and overhear other birders talking. The conversation ranges from ‘LRPs’ and ‘roosting Leos’ and you scratch your chin as you try to decipher their code – welcome to the world of birding jargon.
It's the fastest animal in the world and its deadly claws can catch prey mid-air: Meet one of the world's most incredible birds of prey
Peregrines are the ultimate urban predator. Learn all about them, including how to spot them ‘stooping’ to catch prey
Save 30% when you subscribe to BBC Wildlife Magazine, plus receive Simon Barnes’ latest release, Spring is the Only Season
Save 30% when you subscribe to BBC Wildlife Magazine, plus receive Simon Barnes’ latest release, Spring is the Only Season
Plants
"Poisoning causes lung collapse, brain haemorrhage and death" – discover the world’s 10 most poisonous, deadliest plants
There is an incredible number of dangerous and deadly plants around the world. here are just 10, including some with the ability to kill
A zombie spider-killing fungus and a bloodstained orchid: Kew Gardens reveals the strangest plants new to science in 2025
Kew Gardens has revealed the most bizarre plant and fungi discoveries new to science in 2025 – but some are already nearly extinct.
What can tree rings tell us, apart from a tree's age?
Naturalist and author Amy-Jane Beer sheds light on what tree rings can tell us.
It may look like ice – but don't be fooled for this is a rare and alive eerie woodland phenomenon that even astounds the experts...
Nick Baker takes a look at the weird phenomenon that produces hair ice, a rare winter wonder formed by a bit of alchemy magic