About Mammals
Mammals are a class of animals distinguished by the presence of mammary glands, hair or fur, and three middle ear bones. With over 6,400 known species, they inhabit every continent and ocean on Earth. From the 2-gram bumblebee bat to the 150-ton blue whale, mammals display an extraordinary range of sizes, behaviors, and adaptations.
Featured Mammals
Gray Wolf: The Apex Predator Making a Comeback
Once nearly eradicated from North America, gray wolves have rebounded thanks to reintroduction programs in Yellowstone and beyond.
African Elephants: Memory, Mourning, and Intelligence
New research reveals elephants may grieve their dead, use tools, and recognize themselves in mirrors — signs of advanced cognition.
Orangutans Are Crafting Their Own Medicine from Plants
Scientists in Borneo have documented wild orangutans chewing specific leaves to create a paste they apply to wounds — the first evidence of self-medication in great apes.
Red Pandas: The Other Panda Nobody Talks About
Despite their name, red pandas are more closely related to raccoons. Their numbers are declining fast in the Himalayan forests.