For humans, feces are last on the list of things we’d place near our mouth. In the animal world, that reaction does not always apply. Coprophagy is the act of eating feces, and for many species it ...

River otters are unequivocally cute. But their eating habits are not so adorable. Most animals—humans included—separate the place where they defecate from the place where they eat. But river otters ...

There are many parasites found in the gastrointestinal system of both dogs and cats. These invaders can cause serious illness ...

Wild bears are prone to contracting parasitic infections. Some of the most common are intestinal parasites. In most cases, ...

Three North American river otters play in the snow on the docks of the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center. Detected with SERC’s night-vision wildlife cameras. North American river otters have ...

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says people should "avoid contact with raccoons and their feces" Two children in California contracted a rare parasite that is commonly spread by ...

DNA within dried feces dating from more than 1,000 years ago provides valuable insights into the pathogens that plagued ancient Mexican peoples, according to a study published October 22, 2025 in the ...

You can take certain steps to lower your chances of becoming an unwitting host to one of these nasties. Practicing basic hygiene is key, Mena Lora says. Wash your hands with soap regularly, use insect ...