Owners say ferrets are pets, officials say pest

The difference between owning a ferret in Hawaii and one in Pennsylvania can be up to three years in jail and hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines.

Annual bird counts give scientists climate clues

Where are the wild turkeys? Why were no black rails found? What about fox sparrows and the 13 other species that are commonly counted on the preserve? Where have they gone?

Florida is a vacation paradise for dogs

With miles of sandy beaches, endless winter sunshine and a laid-back vibe, there's no reason to leave your four-legged friend behind when you vacation in Florida.

Holiday gifts for pets following high-tech trend

A holiday present for Fido or Fluffy used to be an extra table scrap or a new squeeze toy. But as with gifts for their human counterparts, pet presents are becoming increasingly high-tech.

Bee venom facials create a buzz

The latest buzz in the beauty world is a literal one: bee venom facials. Also known as apitherapy, bee venom is said by purveyors and devotees to have anti-aging properties.

Growing animal rescue group is work of teen actor

The person behind one of the country's fastest-growing animal rescues can't even vote yet. And neither can most of the people leading its 10 chapters across the nation.

Coffee from an elephant's gut fills a $50 cup

GOLDEN TRIANGLE, Thailand (AP) — In the lush hills of northern Thailand, a herd of 20 elephants is excreting some of the world's most expensive coffee.

Winter workout tips

Just because the season has changed, it doesn't mean that you have to give up on your workout routine.

Decoding Cat Behavior

Cats are known as mysterious creatures. While some of the things they do can be puzzling at times, you don't have to be a super sleuth to decode your pet's behaviors.

Right at Home: tweaking the traditional cornucopia

The cornucopia, that symbol of abundance and the harvest, has graced the Thanskgiving table or sideboard for generations. While the original version, in ancient Greece, was a goat's horn, the American cornucopia is typically a horn-shaped wicker basket filled with a colorful array of fall ve…

Lincoln Park Zoo euthanizes elderly male lion

CHICAGO | Officials at Lincoln Park Zoo on Wednesday announced animal care staff euthanized Adelor, a geriatric African lion.

Bedbugs: An A to Z primer

Bedbug reports have sent people scurrying for relief.

Teens with dogs are more active

Dog ownership appears to make teens more active, according to a new study. The teens in dog-owning families logged about 15 additional minutes of moderate-to-vigorous activity per week.

Indiana man keeps personal census of butterflies, Adv10-11, IN

COLUMBUS, Ind. (AP) — As Doug Johnson hikes through the woods next to his home in southern Bartholomew County, he watches closely for butterflies that blend into the trees and ones that add a splash of color to the green and brown countryside.

Researchers: Silkworms make artificial spider silk, 2nd Ld-Writethru, IN

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) — Biologists have inserted spider genes into silkworms, allowing them to produce strong, elastic threads that may be used to make sutures and wound-healing bandages as well as bulletproof vests and lightweight fabrics, researchers said Wednesday.

UT studies cerulean warbler reaction to habitat

For the past six years, the University of Tennessee has participated in a regional study to determine how these neotropical migrants respond to various levels of forest disturbance. The UT portion of the study has focused on the North Cumberland Wildlife Management Area — 150,000-plus acres …