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Blog Archive: vertebrate zoology

[image] Studying the Past, Present, and Future of Bats

Studying the Past, Present, and Future of Bats

Every year during the last week of October leading up to Halloween, bat researchers, conservationists, and enthusiasts celebrate Bat Week. Bats have historically been the star of spooky books, movies, and decorations so it is the perfect season to celebrate and bring awareness to these fascinating and diverse creatures. However, due to their misrepresentation in terrifying lore and literature, bats have become misunderstood and feared by many.
[image] Behind the Scenes: What is a Species?

Behind the Scenes: What is a Species?

The question of what distinguishes one species from another is a complex puzzle.
[image] Ten Natural History Discoveries of the Decade

Ten Natural History Discoveries of the Decade

From humming giraffes to new species hiding in parking lots, it's been a big decade for natural history.
[image] New Species Discovered in Philippines

New Species Discovered in Philippines

A team of scientists headed by Dr. Eric A. Rickart of the Natural History Museum of Utah has identified two new animal species, shrew-rats found only at particular zones in mountains on the island of Luzon, Philippines.
[image] A Fuzzy Invader—Fox Squirrels in Utah

A Fuzzy Invader—Fox Squirrels in Utah

After introduction to the West over a century ago, fox squirrels have finally made their way to Utah.
[image] Of Mice and Meadows

Of Mice and Meadows

A new exhibit in the Land Gallery shows how small mammals tell us about the past and present of the Great Basin ecosystem.
[image] Top 7 Poisonous Encounters in Nature

Top 7 Poisonous Encounters in Nature

Poison is all around us, but through instinct or teaching we manage to avoid it in our everyday lives. Here are seven of our favorite poisonous things that you should sidestep at all costs.
[image] Top 5 Venomous Encounters in Nature

Top 5 Venomous Encounters in Nature

Venom is the word for poison that is injected, and animals have evolved some nifty ways to deliver their venom. Here's our top 5 list of unexpected venomous creatures on the planet.
[image] Jar of Snakes

Jar of Snakes

It's perhaps the spookiest Halloween decoration ever. Our Curator of Vertebrate Zoology, Eric Rickart, explains what's in this jar of snakes.
[image] To the Top: Adventurous Researchers Unlock Changes in Animal Communities

To the Top: Adventurous Researchers Unlock Changes in Animal Communities

Dr. Eric Rickart, Dr. Shannen Robson and Dr. Lois Alexander have spent the past 15 years examining species of mice, voles, and squirrels (among other animals) in the American Great Basin to better understand how and why there are changes occurring within their communities.