Science Does the narwhal's famous tusk help it catch fish? Intriguing video of narwhals using their tusks to mess with fish has scientists speculating about what this behavior might mean. Nell Greenfieldboyce
Animals As spring nears, lambing season is upon us It's the time of year when new lambs are born, and for some shepherds, the process raises difficult questions. Play AudioListen 8 mins
Animals This rare Malayan tapir in Tacoma is raising a social media star Ume, a rare Malayan tapir, just turned one month old at Tacoma’s Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium. With her giant eyes and bright spots, Ume has blown up online as a social media star. Casey Martin
Science Butterfly numbers have fallen by nearly a quarter since 2000 Butterflies of all kinds of species, in all parts of the country, have declined by one to two percent since 2000. Jonathan Lambert
Science Chappy the baby seal has died, weeks after being rescued in a Connecticut city The aquarium helping Chappy — a nod to the New Haven, Conn., neighborhood where he was rescued last month — said he died of gastrointestinal issues and "was surrounded by love until the very end." Rachel Treisman
Animals Killer whales amaze Seattle onlookers with a rarely seen bird hunt A pod of orcas swam close to shore and amazed onlookers in Seattle by treating the whale watchers to the rare sight of the apex predators hunting a bird. Associated Press
Animals Raccoon ate my homework: Kansas man wants the state to legalize raccoons as pets One suburban Kansas resident is pressing state lawmakers to legalize raccoons as pets. He says they're smarter and friendlier than people give them credit for. Rose Conlon Play AudioListen 4 mins
Science Why did the baby seal cross the road? It's not a riddle for this Connecticut city A baby seal was rescued from the streets of downtown New Haven, lethargic and underweight. He is now recovering at a nearby aquarium, which hopes to eventually release him back into the ocean. Rachel Treisman
Science How a uniquely human genetic tweak changed the voices of mice A new study shows that giving mice the human version of a gene changes their squeak, suggesting some of the genetic underpinnings of language. Nell Greenfieldboyce Play AudioListen 4 mins
Animals Why polar bear fur doesn't freeze A study in the journal Science Advances reveals how polar bears manage to get wet in the cold without their fur freezing. Jonathan Lambert Play AudioListen 3 mins
