Across the animal kingdom, it’s tough to be a mom.  Not all species exhibit parental care (or care about their young at all after the eggs are laid), but in those that do, usually the moms get stuck doing the bulk of the work.  In mammals, moms not only have to carry the baby in…

Euhaplorchis californiensis are trematodes that can modify the behavior of their host!

Uakaris’ bright red heads are hypothesized to be an indicator of health to potential mates…

Spotted hyena females have a pseudo penis, which makes for interesting birthing stories…

Although the San Joaquin Kit Fox (Vulpes macrotis mutica) can easily be mistaken for other canids such as the red or grey fox, they are their own unique species with an interesting history. Unlike coyotes or other foxes, these slender, miniature foxes are endemic to the San Joaquin Valley of Central California. As the smallest…

The kinkajou is a carnivoran with some pretty unique adaptations…

Hawaiian monk seals are known as īlio-holo-i-ka-uaua, which means ‘dog that runs in rough water’…

The mimic octopus is a shape-shifting master of disguise, assuming the color and form of flounder, sea snakes, and lionfish…

Cone snails have some impressive adaptations: not only is their toxin a great example of an anti-predator defense mechanism, but they  also forage with a loaded harpoon…

Despite the long road to recovery, the California condors are making a comeback thanks to targeted conservation efforts to save this iconic species.