Sydni Ellis
Author for A-Z Animals

Geese are very territorial creatures, much like a possessive partner or a mother bear safeguarding her cubs. Their protectiveness extends beyond just their young—they will look out for any individual… Read More

By Sydni Ellis 19 minutes ago

A spider species named Parawixia bistriata has one of the most terrifying habits imaginable. Think of your worst nightmare, double it — and you still might not guess what this… Read More

By Sydni Ellis 2 days ago

Dogs may be man’s best friend, but who is a dog’s best friend? The answer may not be as straightforward as you thought. Even though most dogs love humans (we… Read More

By Sydni Ellis 3 days ago

Is there anything cuter than seeing a newborn baby? Their big eyes, tiny size, and wobbly legs as they walk toward their mama, at least if the newborn in question… Read More

By Sydni Ellis 5 days ago

Did anyone else have a beloved childhood pet they fully believed was sent to live on a farm, not realizing until years later that the animal was actually put down?… Read More

By Sydni Ellis 6 days ago

Sometimes, real life is even scarier than nightmares. Case in point: a rattlesnake “mega den” that contains thousands of these venomous reptiles. This rattlesnake haven is located in a secret… Read More

By Sydni Ellis 1 week ago

Don’t play with poo — unless you’re a dung beetle. Then, by all means! This insect plays with animal excrement (*shudder*), and while it may be gross, it’s actually a… Read More

By Sydni Ellis 1 week ago

Is there anything more relaxing than meeting a friend for coffee or tea at your local café? It's one of those simple joys in life that is good for the… Read More

By Sydni Ellis 2 weeks ago

Coral reefs are known for their vibrant, rainbow-hued colors. They are vital to 25% of ocean life, even though they only make up less than 1% of the planet's surface.… Read More

By Sydni Ellis 2 weeks ago

Butterflies are some of the world’s most beautiful insects, and there are a lot of them. Researchers believe there are up to 17,500 species of butterflies globally, which come in… Read More

By Sydni Ellis 3 weeks ago

The animal kingdom mirrors our own in many ways, like how animals care for their young. Just as humans hire babysitters or rely on grandparents and friends to watch their… Read More

By Sydni Ellis 3 weeks ago

Thinking about adding a new furry friend to your family? There are millions of dogs available to be adopted (3.1 million enter U.S. animal shelters every year), and one of… Read More

By Sydni Ellis 3 weeks ago

When a blanket octopus swims, it creates a kaleidoscope of colors twirling underwater. It’s a rainbow of beauty as it glides through the sea. It's gorgeous, and it’s almost never… Read More

By Sydni Ellis 3 weeks ago

If you've ever seen an odd-looking ant running across the ground, it might be a panda ant (Euspinolia militaris). This cool-looking insect is black with white spots, like a mini… Read More

By Sydni Ellis 3 weeks ago

Penguins are so cute with their tuxedo-like feathers, their adorable waddle, and the way they slide on their bellies across the ice. Navigating frigid conditions is second nature to these… Read More

By Sydni Ellis 3 weeks ago

Tattoos can be silly, sentimental, or meaningful, and they always convey something about the person to others. In the same way, one member of the animal kingdom has a special… Read More

By Sydni Ellis 3 weeks ago

Frogfish are some of the most colorful creatures under the sea — and some of the most unique, too. They look more like frogs than fish with their leg-like fins… Read More

By Sydni Ellis 3 weeks ago

Encountering an endangered species in its natural habitat is one of the most amazing experiences. Sure, seeing them in a zoo is cool, but there's something about watching an animal… Read More

By Sydni Ellis 4 weeks ago

Some of the world’s most fascinating creatures live underwater. And unlike the more mainstream animals under the sea — seahorses, sharks, and even deep sea anglerfish — one cool member… Read More

By Sydni Ellis 4 weeks ago

Its cicada season, and Virginia is in the path of these interesting (and noisy!) insects. This year, Brood XIV returns for the first time since 2008, per AccuWeather, and they… Read More

By Sydni Ellis 4 weeks ago

Get ready for a swarm, because cicadas are returning this spring. A brood of these flying insects is starting to come out of hiding after nearly 20 years underground, and… Read More

By Sydni Ellis 1 month ago

There are so many impressive creatures that roam freely in Africa, and going on an African safari is the coolest way to see them firsthand. Sure, zoos are great. But… Read More

By Sydni Ellis 1 month ago

If you’re lucky enough to see a polar bear at the zoo, you will instantly fall in love. These majestic creatures are beautiful. They have black skin and clear fur… Read More

By Sydni Ellis 1 month ago

Most of us will never encounter a real-life scenario in which we tangle with crocodiles, get bitten by venomous snakes, or eat zebra testicles — and we’re not complaining! Instead,… Read More

By Sydni Ellis 1 month ago

Spring is here, and that means it’s bee season! Bees are fascinating creatures, with approximately 4,000 species located in the United States alone. They are responsible for pollinating flowers and… Read More

By Sydni Ellis 1 month ago

Would you dig through animal excrement if you knew you would find a diamond? Wildlife researchers at the University of Oxford, Revive & Restore, and Chester Zoo are collecting feces… Read More

By Sydni Ellis 2 months ago

Hummingbirds are amazing creatures. Their wings are in constant motion when flying, allowing them to travel at a speed of 60 miles per hour. They consume almost as much energy… Read More

By Sydni Ellis 2 months ago

A purring cat is one of the most pleasing sounds in the animal kingdom. Typically, it means your kitty is happy, relaxed, and calm (although they can also do it… Read More

By Sydni Ellis 2 months ago

Battling the undead in video games is exciting, but in real life, zombies are more heartbreaking than thrilling. At least, the ones who infect the animal kingdom. Recently, zombie deer… Read More

By Sydni Ellis 2 months ago

Protecting animals against environmental changes, poachers, and other dangers is vital yet challenging work. And in recent years, things have seemed dismal. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)… Read More

By Sydni Ellis 2 months ago

Travel to Florida, and chances are high that you’ll see an alligator. But a crocodile? These creatures are much more elusive, with fewer numbers too, so it’s less likely to… Read More

By Sydni Ellis 2 months ago

We’ve all had that friend who notoriously brings home strays. Old shelter dogs, lost kitties, wild bunnies. It can feel impossible to resist rescuing an abandoned or lonesome animal in… Read More

By Sydni Ellis 2 months ago

Raising money for rescued cats, dogs, and other homeless animals is serious business — and it requires a bit of creativity. Sure, you could just ask for donations. Or, you… Read More

By Sydni Ellis 2 months ago

Muzzles for your dog get a bad rep, but the truth is, you can use a muzzle to protect your four-legged friend in a loving, humane way. Those images you… Read More

By Sydni Ellis 2 months ago

A healthy respect for snakes is good — after all, an estimated 5.4 million people globally are bitten by snakes each year! These most often occur in Africa, Asia, and… Read More

By Sydni Ellis 2 months ago

Summer is supposed to be wild and fun as a kid. And what better way to encourage that than with the help of some wild animals?! If your school-aged kids… Read More

By Sydni Ellis 3 months ago

While the world excitedly awaited Santa’s reindeer visiting on Christmas Eve, the city of Kyle, Texas, saw an influx of a different type of animal: feral hogs. Officials of the… Read More

By Sydni Ellis 3 months ago

Imagine stumbling out of bed and accidentally stepping on a snake. It’s the stuff of nightmares! Yet, it happens, especially in the warmer months. Snakes tend to make themselves known… Read More

By Sydni Ellis 3 months ago

You may have seen Fahlo’s beautiful beaded bracelets at gift shops near national parks or zoos, but these are anything but typical souvenirs. Fahlo’s jewelry benefits some of Earth’s most… Read More

By Sydni Ellis 3 months ago