These were the top animal stories on NPR in 2024, including a boy's pregnant octopus
This year, the animal kingdom was filled with triumph, loss and new discoveries. Here is a look at NPR's top animal stories of 2024.
Environment
What do penguins, sea turtles and whales have in common?
Aquatic creatures of very different sizes swim at the same relative depth when traveling long distances.
Energy chief Granholm warns against 'unfettered exports' of liquefied natural gas
Granholm's statement came as the Energy Department released a long-awaited study that found U.S. LNG shipments drive up domestic wholesale prices and frequently displace renewable energy sources.
Portland's 'frog taxi' offers a life-saving lift to a struggling species
Each winter, Portland volunteers "taxi" Northern red-legged frogs to and from their egg-spawning ground. The service protects them from becoming roadkill on a highway.
Iowa is trying to deal with farm runoff using 'saturated buffers.' Is it enough?
Instead of regulating harmful agricultural runoff, Iowa -- the nation's biggest corn-producing state -- backs a voluntary, industry-friendly program. But it's not as effective as advertised.
Giving 'outdoor cat' a new meaning: These pets go snowshoeing and paddle boarding
More and more people are breaking the stereotype of cats as scaredy homebodies and taking them outside on adventures -- hiking, snowshoeing, and even paddle boarding.
Coffee prices are higher than ever. Here's what it means for your cup
Droughts in top coffee-growing countries have shrunk the supply of beans. Supermarket brands like Nescafé and Folgers have already raised prices — but the world keeps drinking more and more coffee.
Portland's 'frog taxi' offers a life-saving lift to a struggling species
Each winter, Portland volunteers "taxi" Northern red-legged frogs to and from their egg-spawning ground. The service protects them from becoming roadkill on a highway.
A historic water rights settlement will finally bring water to the Navajo Nation
A decade of effort to win more water from the Colorado River is finally paying for the Navajo Nation. The Infrastructure Act is funding new irrigated farms now that the desert tribe can legally pull water from the river.
How crocodiles get their scale patterns (Hint: It's unlike other animals)
Many animals get their external marking -- such as, feathers, hair or scales-from genetics. But it turns out, the crocodile gets its head patterns differently. (Story aired on ATC on Dec. 11, 202.)