World’s Oldest Bird, 74 Years Old, Lays Its First Egg in 4 Years

Venomous Snakes Burrow Underground During Winter

When temperatures begin to fall, several animals enter a hibernation period. During this time, they fall into a deep sleep and are active based on food availability. Snakes, however, are ectothermic, meaning their surrounding temperature determines their body temperature. Researchers have been tracking copperhead activity in North Carolina during cooler months, especially considering the state’s recent frigid temperatures.

Experts have determined that snake species, such as copperheads, burrow underground during winter. Snakes enter a period similar to hibernation called brumation. During brumation, though, snakes are active based on temperature. Snakes will brumate underground when temperatures decrease below 50ºF and remain inactive until temperatures rise. On warm days, snakes will leave their underground holes to bask in the sun; they are mainly active at dawn and dusk.

World’s Oldest Bird Lays Egg at 74 Years Old

The world’s oldest known bird in the wild, a 74-year-old Laysan albatross named Wisdom, has finally laid an egg after four years. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the average lifespan of a Laysan albatross is typically 68 years, which makes this feat all the more stunning.

Wisdom returns to its home at Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge in Hawaii each year, reuniting with her male mate and laying an egg annually on the reserve. This year, however, Wisdom claimed a new male mate and laid her first egg in four years. The reserve welcomes millions of birds yearly to mate, nest, and care for their new hatchlings. Reserve officials hope that Wisdom’s egg will hatch following incubation.

Berlin Zoo Names New Twin Pandas Leni and Lotti

Two female panda cubs born last August at the Berlin Zoo were recently named Mang Hao and Meng Tian, meaning “beautiful dreams” and “sweet dreams,” respectively. The pandas also go by Leni and Lotti, two names that honor the city of Berlin. Leni and Lotti appropriately followed their older brothers, Meng Xiang (Pit) and Meng Yuan (Paul), who are the first giant panda pair born in Germany.

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the giant panda is listed as vulnerable. Conservation efforts, such as insemination – how Leni and Lotti were conceived – have removed the giant panda from classification as an endangered species. The giant panda claims approximately 1,800 individuals in the wild. Follow more news about pandas in the Berlin Zoo here.