Contributor

Ann Briggs

Science Communicator · MSc Science Communication

Ann is a full-time freelance writer specializing in travel, science, and the outdoors.

She holds a BSc in Conservation Biology and an MSc in Science Communication from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and is a Wilderness First Aid certified, trained safari guide.

Follows Outforia's editorial standards

11 stories published

Stories by Ann Briggs

A dark-coated black bear walks through a grassy, rocky clearing at the edge of a pine forest in soft evening light
Wildlife

Bears in Colorado: What Kind Of Bears Live in Colorado?

Colorado's 8,000 to 12,000 black bears range from brown to blonde in color and weigh up to 600 pounds, thriving in Rocky Mountain forests at mid and lower altitudes.

A flock of pink flamingos wading in shallow water, their long curved necks and thin pink legs on display
Wildlife

15 Amazing Birds with Long Necks From Around The World (Must-See!)

Discover 15 long-necked birds worldwide: ostriches, flamingos, cranes, herons, and ibises adapted for wading and feeding with cervical vertebrae.

A Laysan albatross sits on a nest of dry grass among low shrubs above a turquoise tropical shoreline
Wildlife

The 16 Must-See Birds of Hawaii: ID Guide + Pics, Chart, and more

Meet 16 Hawaiian bird species including the endemic nene goose, rare Maui parrotbill, and largest Laysan albatross on pristine tropical islands.

Two dome tents, a picnic table and a stone fire ring in a pine grove above a rocky lakeshore at sunset
Destinations

The Ultimate Guide to The Best Places to Camp in Michigan

Michigan offers 103 state parks, 7 national parks, and countless private campgrounds perfect for hiking, boating, fishing, and ice climbing across two Great Lakes peninsulas.

Gray wolf walking through snow past sagebrush and snow-covered evergreens in soft winter light
Wildlife

The Wolves in Yellowstone: A Classic Conservation Story

How 31 reintroduced wolves rebuilt Yellowstone's ecosystem in 30 years, from willows to beavers to songbirds.

A Joshua tree stands beside a pile of rounded boulders in warm evening light across a desert scrub landscape
Destinations

Joshua Tree National Park: Uncovering Hidden Gems in the California Desert

Joshua Tree offers 800,000 acres spanning 2 deserts with rock climbing, hiking, camping, stargazing, and 2.8 million annual visitors.

Camper in sandals reaching into an open tan cooler packed with ice packs and fresh vegetables at a campsite
Camping

How To Keep Food Cold While Camping

Keep camping food fresh with hard-sided coolers, ice blocks, pre-chilled containers, and proper layering to prevent spoilage and food poisoning.

Hiker in dark pants and boots climbing a snowy rocky trail with trekking poles toward a misty mountain
Hiking

Cold Weather Hiking: How To Keep Hiking In The Snow and Cold Seasons

Winter hiking burns 50 to 75 percent more calories than summer hikes; layer base, mid, and outer clothing, choose insulated waterproof boots.

Four ecosystems: a rainforest gorge with a waterfall, desert dunes, butterflyfish over coral, and green tundra with ponds
Natural World

12 Different Types of Ecosystems and Why They Are Important

Twelve ecosystem types exist worldwide, classified by abiotic and biotic components that shape their communities and influence biodiversity.

A translucent moon jellyfish drifting in clear blue water with several more blurred behind it
Wildlife

15 Different Types of Jellyfish You Need to Know: Chart and Pictures

Discover 15 jellyfish species ranging from the giant lion's mane to deadly box jellyfish, with unique hunting methods and conservation concerns.

A black salamander with bold yellow spots and stripes crawling over moss and leaf litter on a forest floor
Wildlife

16 Different Types of Salamanders: Ultimate Salamanders Field Guide

Discover 16 salamander types from newts and true salamanders to lungless and giant species across Northern Hemisphere ecosystems.