Exploring Largemouth Bass: The World’s Most Popular Game Fish Photo via Julia Thompson Beneath the rippling surface of freshwater lakes and rivers lurks a formidable predator—the largemouth bass. Renowned among anglers for its impressive size and thrilling fight, this species boasts a rich natural history that goes beyond the thrill of the catch. Join us as we cast our line into the fascinating world of largemouth bass and uncover six captivating facts about these elusive freshwater giants. From their voracious appetite to their strategic habitats, the largemouth bass stands as a testament to ..read more

For residents of Western Pennsylvania, there are some scary realities they face regularly: irregular traffic patterns, nasty winters, and the fear of the Steelers suffering a loss to the Cleveland Browns. Rarely on the list of woes, however, is encountering a live alligator in public waters. In early August, however, this became a reality for residents near Kiskiminetas (Kiski) Township, which seats northeast of the Steel City. An Unnatural and Unexpected Specimen Photo via Aaron Schultz/Premier Angler Alligators are not native to Western Pennsylvania, nor is the appearance of one in a public ..read more

A popular video from the podcast of comedian and UFC announcer Joe Rogan circulated throughout 2022 talking about an enormous (and terrifying) animal: the short-faced bear. While the adage that one should try to intimidate a black bear, become submissive (and small) around a brown bear, and “pray” if encountering a polar bear is well known, Rogan’s podcast ushered in an interesting question: what would happen if a modern human encountered the near-mythical short-faced bear? To really grasp these dynamics, we need to consider the relationship between the extinct giants and their modern relativ ..read more

Gout is one of the most painful forms of arthritis imaginable. It is also one of the most unexpected and misunderstood. In 2017, 92 out of every 100,000 Americans received a new diagnosis of this painful condition, bringing the estimated number of sufferers to over 9 million! That said, simply being given a gout diagnosis is not enough to stop avid hikers and outdoors enthusiasts from hitting the trails. The condition does require precautions, however. Note: The following article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, or serve as medical advice for dealing ..read more

Flamingos are one of the most fascinating bird classifications in the world. Some would even argue that flamingos are among the most interesting animals in general. As a photography enthusiast, I can also state that the flamingo is among the most photogenic creatures in nature. It is almost impossible to get a bad photo of these bright, majestic birds. But what is a flamingo? Where do they live? What do they eat? Below, we will explore this unique species in great detail. First, however, we will take a look at the biology behind the bird. You might be surprised to find that there are actually ..read more

The United States is home to numerous breathtaking lakes – many of which have some of the best fishing in the entire world. Texas plays home to some of the world’s bass fishing while some of the best crappie fishing can be found in select lakes throughout the country. When it comes to the deepest lakes in the world, however, American lakes fall short of the upper echelon. each with its own unique characteristics and beauty. Among these, some stand out for their extraordinary depth, plunging into the abyss of the Earth’s crust. In this article, we will delve into the depths and explore the fiv ..read more

Camping in a tent can actually be quite comfortable even on a long trip with the right gear. If you like to travel and stay outdoors often or only get out a few times during the year, then the products on this list are definitely worth looking into. For those who are just getting into camping and aren’t sure where to start when it comes to sleeping in bliss, then I would suggest a hard pass on air mattresses. We will discuss this further at the bottom of the article. Getting a good night’s rest while camping makes the cost of a sleeping pad worth every penny. Initially sleeping mats are more ..read more

The world is dotted with stunning lakes, each with its own charm and allure. While many outdoor enthusiasts are looking for the best fishing lakes or recreation lakes in the world, many are struck by the awe and magnitude of lakes based upon their size. Beyond surface acreage, however, is unimaginable depth. Two of the entries on this list of deepest lakes in the world actually span more than (or close to) a mile at the greatest depth. Let’s diver deeper (pun intended, but seriously — don’t try to dive to the bottom of these mammoth lakes) into the depths! List of the Five Deepest Lakes in th ..read more

What is a Stonefish? For decades, many have known that the stonefish has a reputation for being amongst the most dangerous fish in the world. That said, the specifics of this venomous, ray-finned marine fish are relatively unknown. Below, we will look at one of the most fascinating (and deadly) fish in the entire world. A Quick Biology Lesson Biological Classifications Chart (photo via Peter Halasz/Pengo/Wikimedia Commons) The stonefish is a marine fish, meaning it is found in or near the sea. The stonefish’ species name is Synanceia verrucosa and it is also known as the “reef stonefish.” Syn ..read more

Wasp stings hurt. Period. Even if you are a rampant thrill-seeker who enjoys tattoos, piercings, and juggling fire, getting stung by a wasp is not a good time. When answering this question, then, it isn’t a matter of figuring out if a wasp sting hurts, but rather how badly a wasp sting hurts. Before that, however, let’s first look at why it is so painful! Why Does a Wasp Sting Hurt? Wasps are Small but Dangerous (photo via oktavianus mulyadi/UnSplash license) Venom Yes, read that again. When a wasp injects its stinger into your flesh, it is injecting venom directly into your skin. Because was ..read more