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Articles by Fiona Benson
One Of America's Most Snake-Infested Lakes Is Also One Of Its Most Popular Summer Vacation Destinations
Aerial of Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe, USA Credit: Shutterstock Published May 14, 2026, 10:45 PM EDT Fiona Benson loves writing about all things wildlife and nature. She graduated from Appalachian State University in May 2024, earning her Bachelor of Science in Biology, with a concentration in Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology. Her interests include endangered species conservation, biodiversity preservation, and changes in ecosystem ecology.
This Historic State Park Is One Of The Few Places In The U.S. Where You Can See Living Coral Reefs
Coral and sand visible under clear ocean water with a floating buoy in the distance on a sunny day Credit: Shutterstock Published Mar 15, 2026, 12:00 PM EDT Fiona Benson loves writing about all things wildlife and nature. She graduated from Appalachian State University in May 2024, earning her Bachelor of Science in Biology, with a concentration in Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology.
The Missing Link: Why Amtrak Avoids America's Most Popular Vacation Hub
Amtrak California Zephyr at Book CliffsCredit: Carter Pape/Wikimedia Commons Published Jan 24, 2026, 4:01 PM EST Fiona Benson loves writing about all things wildlife and nature. She graduated from Appalachian State University in May 2024, earning her Bachelor of Science in Biology, with a concentration in Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology. Her interests include endangered species conservation, biodiversity preservation, and changes in ecosystem ecology.
This Is The Most Snake-Filled National Park In The U.S.
Rattlesnake hiding under a large rock surrounded by smaller rocks and a few small green plantsCredit: Shutterstock Fiona Benson loves writing about all things wildlife and nature. She graduated from Appalachian State University in May 2024, earning her Bachelor of Science in Biology, with a concentration in Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology. Her interests include endangered species conservation, biodiversity preservation, and changes in ecosystem ecology.
The Most Snake-Infested Rivers In Montana
Garter snake swimming in fresh waterCredit: Shutterstock Published 16 minutes ago Fiona Benson loves writing about all things wildlife and nature. She graduated from Appalachian State University in May 2024, earning her Bachelor of Science in Biology, with a concentration in Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology. Her interests include endangered species conservation, biodiversity preservation, and changes in ecosystem ecology.
Yosemite's Ecosystem Has Been Rebooted Thanks To One Adorable Animal
A lake with a toxic algal bloom in Yosemite National Park, California, USA Shutterstock Published 28 minutes ago Fiona Benson loves writing about all things wildlife and nature. She graduated from Appalachian State University in May 2024, earning her Bachelor of Science in Biology, with a concentration in Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology. Her interests include endangered species conservation, biodiversity preservation, and changes in ecosystem ecology.
This Underrated National Park Site Is The Best Place To Spot America's Tallest Bird
Published 30 minutes ago Link copied to clipboard Sign in to your TheTravel account Close up image of a bird with a long beak, yellow eyes, black and red feathers on it's face, and a white neck Shutterstock Few birds reach the heights of the majestic crane (on the ground, that is). With their long legs, elongated necks, and streamlined bodies, cranes are often considered the world's tallest flying birds.
This Forgotten National Park Is The Best Place To See America's Largest Bird
While Pinnacles National Park is one of the least sought-out NPS-protected areas in the country, welcoming only 354,076 visitors in 2024, the volcanic wonderland is the perfect destination for wildlife lovers. Pinnacles National Park is home to endangered wildlife and the famed California condors, the largest bird in North America. Similar to Acadia National Park, one of the best places to spot bald eagles, Pinnacles is the premier spot to see another raptor: the magnificent California condor.
This Underrated National Park Is The Best Place To Spot One Of America's Rarest Birds
America's national parks are some of the best places for birdwatching in the country. These pristine protected areas enable the presence of iconic and rare birds, such as Acadia National Park, which is one of the best places to spot bald eagles. Similarly, there is an underrated national park in Colorado that is not only a stunning display of geological wonders but also the premier location for observing one of America's rarest birds.
What Do Yellowstone's Bears, Bison, And Birds Do When People Aren't Around To Bother Them?
While national parks provide crucial preservation for wildlife and the environment, animals in protected areas are still often subject to anthropogenic, or human, disturbance. Nature-based recreation and tourism in national parks provide meaningful cultural and economic importance, as well as giving joy to visitors. However, human activity in and around national parks has been shown to have negative impacts on protected wildlife.
This Beloved National Park Is One Of The Best Places To Spot Bald Eagles This Month
Published 13 minutes ago Link copied to clipboard Sign in to your TheTravel account Photo of a bald eagle looking directly at the camera, while sitting in a fir tree in a green forested area Shutterstock The majesty of a bald eagle in flight or sitting in a nest high above, is an extraordinary sight for wildlife lovers.
This Beloved National Park Is One Of The Best Places To Spot Bald Eagles This Month
This Beloved National Park Is One Of The Best Places To Spot Bald Eagles This Month The majesty of a bald eagle in flight or sitting in a nest high above, is an extraordinary sight for wildlife lovers. In recent years, observing bald …
Why That Drone Flight Over Yellowstone’s Osprey Nest Could Have Serious Consequences
Back in June, a Yellowstone visitor was caught flying a drone over Lamar Valley, in violation of a crucial ban. The drone pilot, a man who has still not been publicly identified, was seen buzzing an osprey nest, intentionally trying to scare off the raptors. The osprey pair, who were in the process of adding material to reinforce their nest, took flight in a panic, with one almost hitting the drone.
Untold Stories Of America's Largest Protected Area And National Park Site
Stretching 582,578 square miles, Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument is the largest fully protected conservation area in the United States and is bigger than all of America's national parks combined. Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument (PMNM) encompasses a vast area of the Pacific Ocean in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, roughly 3,000 miles from the nearest continental landmass.
Jackie, Shadow, Sunny, And Gizmo Aren't The Only Eagles You Can Watch Live
For months, the Big Bear Lake bald eagle family of Jackie, Shadow, Sunny, and Gizmo have captivated fans around the world. Jackie and Shadow's attempts to hatch and raise eaglets have been live-streamed by Friends of Big Bear Valley since 2018, including the successful nurturing of their daughters, Sunny and Gizmo, in 2025. The sisters fledged back in June, entering the period in a bald eagle's life in which an eaglet hones their hunting and flight skills before fully leaving the nest.
A sudden disappearance of beloved eaglets sparks worry and debate.
Jackie and Shadow, the famous bald eagle couple residing near Big Bear Lake in California, have captivated fans with their attempts to hatch and raise two eaglets: Sunny and Gizmo. After weeks of tireless caretaking, the couple's eaglets finally took flight, with Sunny officially leaving the nest for the first time back in June and Gizmo catching up soon after, taking her first flight from the nest about a week later.
One Of America's Most Snake-Infested Lakes Is Also One Of Its Most Popular Tourist Destinations
With over 115 species and subspecies inhabiting its landscape, Texas boasts the greatest snake diversity of any state in the United States. The warm temperatures, prey availability, habitat diversity, and large size of Texas enable a plethora of snakes to thrive within its borders. Given that snakes are drawn to water, the slithering reptiles are abundant in Texas' lakes, including the popular Lake Texoma.
Two Iconic Parks, One Stunning Crown: Which Will Claim The Title Of America's Most Beautiful?
Published 13 minutes ago Link copied to clipboard Sign in to your TheTravel account While beauty is in the eye of the beholder, the breathtaking scenery of America's national parks is undeniable. Among America's most beautiful national parks are Montana's Glacier and Wyoming's Yellowstone, located around 400 miles from each other. Both national parks boast stunning natural features, including abundant alpine forests, towering mountains, rushing rivers, and shimmering lakes.
America's Most Beautiful River Runs Through This Underrated National Park
Meandering through the deep canyons, pristine forests, and rugged mountains of the interior Pacific Northwest region of the United States, the Snake River is one of the most beautiful rivers in the country. Snake River winds through the diverse landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, providing views of the stunning contrast between flat plains and dramatic peaks. Snake River is a major river in the Pacific Northwest, stretching about 1,080 miles from Wyoming to Washington.
The Missing Link: Why Amtrak Avoids America's Most Popular Vacation Hub
Link copied to clipboard Sign in to your TheTravel account Watching stunning scenery flash by your window on a train meandering through natural beauty is a special experience. Rail transport has several unique advantages in comparison to other forms of travel, including the breathtaking views of lush forests, shimmering lakes, towering mountains, and scorching deserts inaccessible by cars, buses, and planes.
The East Coast's Best Place To Retire Is Officially This Underrated Town
Link copied to clipboard Sign in to your TheTravel account WackyFolf, Wikimedia Commons Known for its natural beauty, diverse culture, and rich history, Pennsylvania is one of the most visited states in America. It is not only home to some well-known American cities such as Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, but also to many charming small towns.
One Of America's Most Snake-Infested Lakes Is One Of The Southeast's Most Popular
Comprising nearly 56,000 acres of water and 962 miles of shoreline, Lake Hartwell is one of the largest recreation lakes in the Southeastern United States. Lake Hartwell is also one of the most popular recreation lakes in the Southeast U.S., with the reservoir drawing in more than nine million annual visitors, according to the Lake Hartwell Association.
This National Park You've Never Heard Of Is The Best Place To See The Northern Lights
The national parks of the United States are home to some of the last remaining havens of clear night skies filled with celestial wonders. Under the NPS organic act, the National Park Service protects and restores natural night skies, providing access for the public to glimpse into the mysteries of the universe. The best national park for viewing one such splendor of the night sky, the Northern Lights, is one of the lesser-known NPS sites in the country.
One Of Texas' Most Snake-Infested Lakes Is Also One Of Its Most Underrated Vacation Destinations
Link copied to clipboard Sign in to your TheTravel account NicholasGeraldinePhotos/Shutterstock Home to over 115 different species and subspecies of snakes, Texas has the most diverse snake population of any state in the United States. Texas' warm temperatures, habitat diversity, large size, and abundance of prey facilitate an immense snake population in the state.
These Are Greyhound’s Best Bus Routes In America For Scenic Views
Link copied to clipboard Sign in to your TheTravel account Given the higher cost of airplane and train tickets, travelers sometimes opt for more affordable options. Buses are often the most budget-friendly option for travelers, especially over shorter distances. Bus travel is also a greener alternative to other forms of transportation, as buses use less fuel and have fewer carbon emissions per passenger than airplanes.
Why Travelers Dread Flying Over This Part Of The U.S.
Anxiety surrounding turbulence is often what fuels a fear of flying. Turbulence, the chaotic movement of air that causes planes to experience forceful shaking and sudden changes in altitude, is unpleasant and frightening for pilots, flight attendants, and passengers. Strong turbulence can result in aircraft damage and injuries to those on the plane, and in rare cases, fatalities may occur. Turbulence has long been a concern in aviation, accounting for 71% of all weather-related aircraft accidents.
The "Pompeii" Of Oregon Created America's Most Beautiful National Park Lake
Crater Lake is known for its pristine waters and stunning mountain scenery. It is also the main attraction of Crater Lake National Park, a popular destination renowned for its striking blue color and crystal-clear water. With a maximum depth of 1,949 feet, Crater Lake is the deepest freshwater body in the United States. The lake partially fills the collapsed caldera of Mount Mazama, an ancient stratovolcano located in a segment of the Cascade Volcanic Arc and Cascade Mountain Range.
One Of The Southwest's Most Snake-Infested Lakes Is Also One Of Its Most Popular Vacation Destinations
Formed in 1935 after the completion of the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead is America's first National Recreation Area. Lake Mead's formation occurred as a result of the Hoover Dam's construction, as the damming of the Colorado River created the largest reservoir in the United States in terms of water capacity. The lake, with 759 miles of shoreline, is also a crucial water source, providing sustenance and irrigation for agricultural use to nearly 20 million people across Arizona, Nevada, and California.
One Of The Southwest's Most Snake-Infested Lakes Is Also One Of Its Most Popular Vacation Destinations
1 hour ago Brazil: Drought-resistant variety, irrigation ensure coffee yield in Esporito Santo amid climate crisis Coffee growers in southeastern Brazil's Esporito Santo State still embrace a good harvest despite high temperatures and drought in recent years, thanks to the cultivation of a drought-resistant variety and the large-scale introduction of irrigation systems.
The "Titanic Of The Great Lakes" Has Emotional Reunion After Almost 200 Years
Link copied to clipboard Sign in to your TheTravel account Naturally, whenever someone thinks of shipwrecks, the sea is typically what comes to mind. There are an estimated three million shipwrecks dispersed across the ocean floor, many of which are now home to abundant marine life. These ships originate from varying points across human history, from World War II destroyers to medieval Viking longships.
Visitors Set The Record Straight On Why Sequoia And Kings Canyon National Parks Banned Bear Spray
Bear spray is an imperative item for many hikers. While bear attacks are quite rare, it is better to be safe than sorry, which is why the National Park Service recommends that hikers carry bear spray while exploring bear country. However, some parks do not allow the possession of bear spray, including California's Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Therefore, visitors should check the regulations regarding bear spray before entering any national park, as they vary by location.
New Global Entry Alternative Launches at 8 U.S. Airports-Here’s What Travelers Should Know
Link copied to clipboard Sign in to your TheTravel account While airports are our gateways to exploring and relaxing vacation destinations, they are often stressful. From navigating large crowds and baggage claim to the uncertainties surrounding one's flight, airports are commonly viewed as frustrating and anxiety-inducing.
One Of America's Most Snake-Infested Lakes Is Also One Of Its Most Popular Vacation Destinations
Link copied to clipboard Sign in to your TheTravel account Nicholas Kiriazis / Shutterstock Lake Tahoe is known for its crystal clear waters and beautiful mountain scenery. Located in the Sierra Nevada, Lake Tahoe lies at the border between California and Nevada. The lake is one of the world's purest bodies of water; objects may be visible in some locations at depths of more than 70 feet.
Hurricane Erick | TheTravel
As Hurricane Erick approaches Mexico, both locals and travelers are preparing for a storm that is both powerful and surprising.
NASA Is Shocked After Discovering The Strangest Planet Yet
Published 13 minutes ago Link copied to clipboard Sign in to your TheTravel account The vast expanse of outer space contains incredible anomalies, many of which are yet to be discovered. Astronomers continue to make unique discoveries, such as the humongous gas giant "of eternal night", which is the darkest planet ever found, and recently, a newly discovered planetary system that is the first of its kind. The system, known as 2M1510, is one of the strangest ever found. 2M1510.
As Erick Nears Mexico, A Look At The Region’s Biggest Recent Hurricanes
With experts predicting more frequent and powerful storms in an above-average 2025 hurricane season, it is no surprise that North America is already experiencing intense tropical cyclones. In the Pacific, five tropical storms have already formed in the 2025 hurricane season. This includes Tropical Storm Erick, which is rapidly approaching Mexico and is expected to make landfall this week.
Mexico’s Deadliest Cave Is Also One Of Its Most Spectacular
Some of the Earth's most incredible features lie beneath its surface. Caves often hold fascinating secrets, from the world's largest underwater cave, which is full of human remains, to the Cave of the Crystals, which contains some of the largest natural crystals ever found. Related Something Groundbreaking Is Happening Under California's Sierra Nevada Mountains (Literally) Under California's Sierra Nevada mountains, a slow yet powerful force will change the entirety of the Earth's crust there.
The Most Charming Small Towns In Oregon
Link copied to clipboard Sign in to your TheTravel account From its rugged coastline to the magnificent Cascade mountains, Oregon is known for its breathtaking beauty and diverse landscapes. Oregon is the perfect travel destination for any nature lover, as its varied topography can be explored across its underrated state parks that offer the best Pacific views.
Canada River Excavation Reveals 72-Million-Year-Old "Mass Grave"
Published 38 minutes ago Link copied to clipboard Sign in to your TheTravel account Throughout North America, paleontological discoveries have revealed secrets from the Mesozoic Era (252 to 66 million years ago). This period in Earth's geological history comprised the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous Periods, when dinosaurs and other reptiles dominated the planet.
North America's Deadliest Snake Is Also One Of The Largest
Link copied to clipboard Sign in to your TheTravel account Kevin Wells / Shutterstock North America has no shortage of large and deadly snakes. From cottonmouths to the Burmese python, one of the world's largest snakes that has invaded Everglades National Park, the continent is filled with these elusive and potentially lethal reptiles.
Sharks Are Suddenly Showing Up In Rivers Across The United States, And Here's Why
Sharks are known to have incredible abilities, such as the Greenland shark that lives for hundreds of years. While most people think of sharks as sea dwellers, one species, the bull shark, (Carcharhinus leucas) is known for its propensity to survive far in both saltwater and freshwater bodies. The geographic range of the bull shark includes the coastlines of all major ocean basins, and thus, freshwater occurrences of C. leucas are highly possible.
An Ancient 'Lost City' Reveals Incredible Secrets About Evolution, Including 22 New Species
In the last few decades, biodiversity on Earth has been declining at an unprecedented rate. Human-related impacts destroy or degrade ecosystems, driving a declining population and species extinction. The Great Bear Rainforest in Canada, home to the rare spirit bear, is one of the few areas left on Earth that is relatively untouched by humans. The other is the pristine Mosquitia rainforest in eastern Honduras, which remains one of the most immaculate rainforests in Central America.
The Deadliest U.S. National Park's Most Dangerous Feature Hides So Well That It's Hard To Avoid
Link copied to clipboard Sign in to your TheTravel account The United States' national parks are global treasures, but people sometimes forget that wildlife and nature can be perilous if not respected or when safety precautions are ignored. Fatalities also do occur in national parks, with the leading causes of death being motor vehicle crashes, drowning, and falls.
Crocodiles Survived Two Mass Extinction Events Because They Could Eat Almost Anything
It is estimated that throughout the Earth's 4.5 billion-year existence, over 99% of the species inhabiting it have gone extinct. Many of these species died due to mass extinction events. Life on Earth has experienced five such events. During each of these rapid decreases in biodiversity, it is thought that at least 75% of species living at the time perished. It is, therefore, impressive that some animals survived a mass extinction event, let alone two.
Why (And How) Scientists Are Using Fake Pollen To Save America's Dying Honey Bees
Link copied to clipboard Sign in to your TheTravel account Honey bees are vital to the environment. The western honey bee (Apis mellifera) ranks as the most frequent single pollinator species for crops worldwide. Bees provide a crucial ecosystem service, as an estimated 87.5% of flowering plant species are pollinated by animals. Honeybees are dying at an alarming rate as beekeepers experience the "worst bee loss in recorded history" and over a million bee colonies died in the winter of 2024.
One Of The Biggest Threats To U.S. National Parks Is A Problem Rarely Addressed
Invasive species, or non-native organisms that cause harm to a foreign area they are introduced to, are one of the primary contributors to biodiversity loss, as studies have shown. Over 300 invasive species are in the United States' national parks, causing a variety of issues such as harmful changes in ecosystem ecology, disease emergence, and local species extinctions.
The World's Last White Giraffe Is Fitted With A GPS Tracker For A Depressing Reason
Individuals displaying unusual white coloration are a special occurrence throughout the animal kingdom. From "Frosty", the rare white orca, to Itzae, the albino puma cub that shocked the world when she was born, animals with white coloration, while others of their species exhibit darker pigmentation, are often famous due to their rarity. For species that have been decimated by humans, these individuals are even rarer.
Chunk The Groundhog Steals A Gardener's Crops And Eats In Front Of A Camera
Published 11 minutes ago Link copied to clipboard Sign in to your TheTravel account Several small mammals have been caught eating food meant for humans over the last few years (and became mini internet celebrities as a result), including the opossum Costco cake bandit, the vacationing squirrel that stole peanut M&Ms, and the rats blamed for missing alcohol. But for farmers and gardeners, groundhogs are a particularly common thief, known for stealing crops.
This Beloved Animal Is On The Verge Of Extinction With Only 17 Left In North Carolina
Human activities have caused the decline of wildlife at a staggering rate, with the average size of fauna populations having decreased by 73% from 1970 to 2020. Many species have been driven to extinction, while others are dangerously close to disappearing from our world, with only a few individuals left. This includes the Northern white rhino; only two are left and are protected by armed guards day and night.
This Unexpected Animal "Rafted" Thousands Of Miles From North America To Fiji
Published 10 minutes ago Link copied to clipboard Sign in to your TheTravel account When you think of sailors, iguanas probably do not come to mind. However, recent evidence has revealed that ancient iguana-like reptiles embarked on the longest known transoceanic journey of any land animal.
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