While bears slow down, they are not true hibernators, instead enjoying periods of deep sleep, or torpor. At times, they will wake up, check email, and mindlessly scroll. Bear: “Why is my algorithm nothing but close-ups of taxidermied squirrels in Victorian clothing?

After bulking up all summer, the bears of Katmai are retreating to their dens to bed down for the winter. They’ll stay there until the late spring when they’ll emerge thinner and hungry.

Having friends is cool, but have you ever cut everyone off and disappeared for six months? Bear: “Yes. Yes, I have.”

Abraham Lincoln delivered his Gettysburg Address 162 years ago today. Carved into the walls of the Lincoln Memorial, the 272 words of remembrance, dedication, and hope helped redefine the Civil War and paid tribute to those soldiers who gave "the last full measure of devotion."

Most prairie dog species don’t hibernate through the winter, but they do put on weight in preparation for the colder months, and they can go into states of deeper catatonic sleep during particularly lean and cold periods of time. Same.

What the forb? Forbs are broad-leafed, non-woody plants. They usually have very showy flowers. As winter comes around, prairie dogs will transition to seeds and insects that serve as sources of high fiber.

Nom nom nom! Summer usually offers the most generous meals for prairie dogs. As these sources begin to dry up, prairie dogs will transition to eating more forbs.

Regret nothing. NOTHING!!! Did you know prairie dogs feed primarily on plants, selecting forbs (flowering, broad-leaved plants) and grasses high in moisture content and nutritive value to supply their needs for water and energy?

POV: You thought your camera was off but are caught eating shredded cheese in the middle of an important meeting.

Baby porcupines are called "porcupettes.” That is all.

Porcupines have a strong odor to warn away predators, which it can increase when agitated. The smell has been described as similar to strong human body odor, goats, or some cheeses.

The most popular porcupine hobby is quilting.

Porcupines do not throw their quills. Don’t get us wrong, they can launch some sassy barbs, but no quills. However, on occasion, loose quills will fall out before it strikes, creating the illusion that they're being thrown. Awkward.

Fun Fact: A porcupine, aka Needle Beaver, has approximately 30,000 quills on its body. (Not a hugger. We repeat. Not. A. Hugger.)

In honor of the veterans who devote their lives to serving our great nation, entry to national parks is free today! We proudly offer military FREE access to our parks year-round. As we celebrate America's 250th birthday, we thank all veterans, past & present, for your service!

During the federal government shutdown, this account will continue to share critical information about park access, safety, and resources. Some services may be limited. For more details, visit:

Finals voting begins today at 9 am Pacific / 12pm Eastern. https://t.co/Dg0kGMUjs3

32 Chunk rolls into the ring with a gut so glorious it could eclipse the Alaskan sun. 856 isn’t here to play. Word on the riverbank is he once stared down a fish, and it swam straight into his mouth. Who’ll take the crown?

In the biggest heavyweight showdown of #FatBearWeek 2025, we’ve got a real chonk-off between two titans of tub with a fluff-to-fat ratio that defies physics: 32 Chunk vs. 856

No scales, no tape measures—just years of gawking at chunky bears and guesstimating their size. It’s a gift. You can practice weight-guessing skills when voting in the polls between 12 p.m.–9 p.m. Eastern (9 a.m.–6 p.m. Pacific). Learn more at: