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JOURNAL BEHAVIORAL ECOLOGY
In January 1995, 14 wolves were reintroduced to Yellowstone from Canada to restore a degraded ecosystem; three decades on, scientists are locked in a bitter dispute over whether the famous cascade they were credited with ever happening at the scale claimedYellowstone's wolf reintroduction success story faces a scientific challenge. New analysis suggests the dramatic impact on willow growth wa...
Ants distracted by potato chips in Panama may be forgetting one of their biggest jobs, and scientists say that could slow the seed dispersal plants depend onHuman food scraps on hiking trails disrupt a vital ecological partnership. Ants, crucial for planting seeds, abandon their task for easy sn...
In 1979, Japan released 30 mongooses onto Amami Oshima to kill venomous snakes, and it took 45 years to fix what happened nextJapan's ambitious plan to control venomous snakes on Amami Ōshima with Indian mongooses in 1979 backfired spectacularly. The introduced pre...
Psychology says people who feel quietly drained after small everyday social moments aren’t antisocial: They’re often responding to levels of stimulation other people barely noticeLeaving social events early does not mean disliking people. Psychology now views social exhaustion as a normal response to mental demands. ...
Why backyard birds gang up on snakes during breeding seasonBirds aggressively chase snakes away from their nests. This behavior, known as mobbing, is a defense system to protect eggs and chicks. Bir...
Why do squirrels rub snake scent on themselves, and what does it actually do?Ground squirrels have a surprising survival trick. They use the smell of rattlesnakes to hide their own scent from predators. Researchers o...
Scientists say animal welfare is not just about survival; it may depend on feelings, choices, and controlAnimal welfare science is evolving. New research highlights emotions and adaptive decision-making as crucial for animal well-being. This te...
How to get rid of lizards without killing them: Simple home remedies that workLizards are beneficial visitors, helping control insect populations. Instead of removal, focus on making homes less attractive to them. Sim...
Why do robins start singing before sunrise, and what science says about itEuropean robins and their North American cousins begin singing before dawn, a behavior scientists attribute to biological, environmental, a...
8 fascinating things you probably didn't know about the rat snakeDiscover the surprising intelligence and ecological importance of rat snakes, America's original pest control. These non-venomous constrict...
Bee, wasp, or hornet nest? Why the wrong guess can quickly turn dangerousIdentifying stinging insect nests is crucial before removal, as bees, wasps, and hornets exhibit different behaviors and defensive reaction...
Putting Up an Owl Box Sounds Smart, But Here’s What Most People MissBarn owls are natural pest controllers, but attracting them requires more than just a nest box. Wildlife experts emphasize that abundant pr...
The one compost mistake that quietly turns your backyard into a rodent hotspotProperly managed compost bins, with tight-fitting lids, are crucial for deterring rodents by limiting access to food, water, and shelter. W...
The surprising danger of covering leftovers with aluminum foilContrary to popular belief, cats approaching humans often seek security, not just affection or food. Research indicates cats form secure at...
Why Ladybugs Suddenly Take Over Your Home Every FallLady beetles, often seen as garden helpers, can become unwelcome guests indoors. These insects seek shelter in homes during autumn. While b...
When Female Animals Relax Their Preferences, New Signals Emerge; and Evolution Starts Moving in Unexpected DirectionsNew animal signals evolve not just from female choice but also from relaxed preferences. This allows for variation and adaptation. Two path...
Why Some U.S. Snakes Stay Active After DarkSnakes are not strictly day or night hunters. Their activity depends on warmth, food, and safety. In some areas, snakes hunt at night to fi...
What Snake Holes in Your Yard Actually Look Like, And Which Ones to Worry AboutSnakes do not dig their own burrows, instead utilizing tunnels made by other animals. Identifying these "borrowed homes" involves looking f...
Snake Hole Or Rabbit Burrow? Simple Signs To Identify What’s Living Inside
What Animals Know About Social Life That We Are Just Beginning to UnderstandScientists are now using computer models to understand how animal groups form and interact. These generative network models simulate indivi...