National This 'venom manager' says rattlesnakes are misunderstood It's snake season in the American Southwest. And as snakes show up in yards and garages, Cale Morris of the Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary teaches people how to keep snakes — and themselves — safe. Jordan-Marie Smith Christopher Intagliata Ailsa Chang
Science To escape hungry bats, these flying beetles create an ultrasound 'illusion' A study of tiger beetles has found a possible explanation for why they produce ultrasound noises right before an echolocating bat swoops in for the kill. Ari Daniel
Environment When sea otters lose their favorite foods, they can use tools to go after new ones Some otters rely on tools to bust open hard-shelled prey items like snails, and a new study suggests this tool use is helping them to survive as their favorite, easier-to-eat foods disappear. Nell Greenfieldboyce
Science Understanding elephant communication NPR's Danielle Kurtzleben speaks with biologist Vesta Eleuteri regarding a study she authored about elephant communication.
Animals Lessons from rattlesnake class in the American Southwest It's rattlesnake season in Arizona, where the number of bites has surged. And it turns out most of what you thought you knew about the reptiles isn't true. Alina Hartounian
Environment The brown pelican crisis of 2024 is here Brown pelicans are appearing on California's coastline. They are showing up emaciated, starving and weak. Dr. Elizabeth Wood of the Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center of Orange County explains. Jordan-Marie Smith Sarah Handel Mary Louise Kelly
Science This week in science: baobab trees, lizard-inspired building and stretching eyeballs NPR's Mary Louise Kelly talks with Regina Barber and Emily Kwong of Short Wave about the origins of baobab trees, lizard-inspired construction, and why outside play is beneficial for kids' eyesight. Emily Kwong Regina G. Barber
Science Tiger beetles might be mimicking the sounds of poisonous bugs so bats will avoid them Tiger beetles generate "anti bat-sonar" to prevent echolocating bats from eating them, scientists say. An experiment suggests the beetles mimic sounds created by poisonous insects that bats avoid. Ari Daniel
Animals 2 British twins went on vacation in Mexico and faced a life-or-death battle Three years ago Melissa and Georgia Laurie were swimming in a river when a crocodile dragged Melissa under water. Georgia fought the crocodile, and now King Charles has given her a medal for bravery.