National Wildlife Magazine
The front cover of National Wildlife's Winter issue containing text and an image of a black-necked stilt chick.

National Wildlife Magazine

Winter 2026 Issue

  • NWF Staff
  • National Wildlife
  • Dec 17, 2025

In this issue: the glorious and gasp-worthy winners of our 2025 photo contest; investigating the true costs of bird flu; a young cohort of scientists aims to make fieldwork safer for everyone; and if you can't beat invasive species, eat ’em. Photo by Christopher Forslund.

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Featured Stories

A magazine article spread containing text and an image of three young bull moose.

2025 National Wildlife Photo Contest Winners: Powerful Impressions

They captured nature’s raw strength and its ability to amaze. See winners of the 2025 National Wildlife Photo Contest.
An image of a sandhill crane landing in an icy pond.

NWF News: Conservation Wins in a Tough Climate

Despite federal budget cuts, NWF affiliates saw big conservation successes in 2025; plus, policy resolutions and what’s new in Wisconsin
A magazine article spread containing text and an image of Derek McFarland.

These LGBTQ+ Scientists Are Making Fieldwork Safer

For many scientists who identify as LGBTQ+, fieldwork in remote areas can bring threats. A cohort of young professionals is committed to improving safety.
2025 National Wildlife Photo Contest

2025 National Wildlife Photo Contest: Honorable Mentions & People’s Choice

See 61 honorable mentions and your People’s Choice picks from our 2025 photo contest
A magazine article spread containing text and an image of a red lionfish.

Eating Invasive Species

How can we help lessen the impacts of invasive animals? By eating them, according to foodie activists.
An illustration of a whale and other sea creatures.

Whiz, Poop, Rot: How Whale Waste Helps Oceans Thrive

Whales leave behind all kinds of organic matter—poop, pee, skin, placenta and more—with big benefits for marine ecosystems
A magazine article spread containing text and an image of dead Humboldt penguins on a beach.

Charting the Real Toll of Bird Flu

Scientists are racing to understand the impact of bird flu and whether certain wildlife, from condors to marine mammals, will be able to fight back
An image of a variety of bird species visiting a bird feeder during a snow storm.

Who Really Benefits from Bird Feeders?

Surveying the pros, cons and unknown impacts of backyard bird feeders
An image of a Svalbard reindeer mother and calf.

New in Wildlife Science: No-Snow Winter in the Arctic

Scientists encounter a springlike Arctic February; pet dogs help detect the spotted lanternfly; why Nemo is shrinking
An image of a sunflower sea star that has been reduced to goo.

Marine Mystery Solved: What Causes Sea Star Wasting Disease

Scientists identify the culprit behind billions of deaths from sea star wasting disease
An image of Stag Night Call, 2024, by Harri Kallio.

Harri Kallio’s Art: Part Photography, Part Biology

Artist Harri Kallio photographs wildlife dioramas in the American Museum of Natural History then covers the film negatives with soil and moisture, and waits
An image of a tree frog on microgreens.

Editor's Note: Winter 2026

We stand on science, from reliable climate assessments to real photos by our talented photo contest winners
An image of a herd of American bison in winter.

Saving America's Grasslands

Native grasslands provide wildlife habitat and economic support, filter drinking water, sustain ranching families, store carbon—and are shrinking, says NWF President Collin O’Mara
An image of Derek McFarland.

These LGBTQ+ Scientists Are Making Fieldwork Safer

  • By Marigo Farr
  • Next Generation
  • December 17, 2025

For many scientists who identify as LGBTQ+, fieldwork in remote areas can bring threats. A cohort of...

Read More
An image of dead Humboldt penguins on a beach.

Charting the Real Toll of Bird Flu

  • By Katarina Zimmer
  • Wildlife Science
  • December 17, 2025

Scientists are racing to understand the impact of bird flu and whether certain wildlife, from condor...

Read More
An image of a lionfish.

Eating Invasive Species

  • By Tove Danovich
  • Conservation
  • December 17, 2025

How can we help lessen the impacts of invasive animals? By eating them, according to foodie activist...

Read More
An image of a Svalbard reindeer mother and calf.

New in Wildlife Science: No-Snow Winter in the Arctic

  • By Laura Tangley
  • Wildlife Science
  • December 17, 2025

Scientists encounter a springlike Arctic February; pet dogs help detect the spotted lanternfly; why ...

Read More
An image of a big brown bat.

Crossword: States of Beings

  • By Graham Meyer
  • Crossword
  • December 17, 2025

Where do these critters call home? Test your knowledge with our winter crossword.

Read More
An image of a variety of bird species visiting a bird feeder during a snow storm.

Who Really Benefits from Bird Feeders?

  • By Laura Tangley
  • Habitat Gardening
  • December 17, 2025

Surveying the pros, cons and unknown impacts of backyard bird feeders

Read More
A magazine article spread containing text and an image of three young bull moose.

2025 National Wildlife Photo Contest Winners: Powerful Impressions

  • By Jennifer Wehunt
  • Wildlife Photos
  • December 10, 2025

They captured nature’s raw strength and its ability to amaze. See winners of the 2025 National Wildl...

Read More
2025 National Wildlife Photo Contest

2025 National Wildlife Photo Contest: Honorable Mentions & People’s Choice

  • NWF Staff
  • Wildlife Photos
  • December 17, 2025

See 61 honorable mentions and 4 People’s Choice picks from the 2025 photo contest

Read More
An image of Stag Night Call, 2024, by Harri Kallio.

Harri Kallio’s Art: Part Photography, Part Biology

  • By Jennifer Wehunt // Art by Harri Kallio
  • Wildlife Photos
  • December 17, 2025

Artist Harri Kallio photographs wildlife dioramas in the American Museum of Natural History then cov...

Read More

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