The Animal House from WAMU 88.5

For years, the Argentine ant has been known as the most aggressive and widespread invasive ant species in the United States. But researchers at North Carolina State University have confirmed that the insect is challenged by a new and more ambitious rival for territory in urban areas, the Asian Needle Ant, a species that is harmful to people. Entomologist Eleanor Spicer Rice is primarily responsible for this stinging revelation, and she shares her findings with us. Sam Litzinger also speaks with author Amy Stewart about her book "Wicked Bugs: The Louse That Conquered Napoleon’s Army & Other Diabolical Insects."

Smooshi is a 900-pound female walrus that resides at Marineland Niagara Falls, Canada. In 2004, she and trainer Phil Demers became celebrities after developing an unusually close attachment. Last year Demers quit his job at Marineland after complaining about poor treatment of animals at the facility. Marineland fired back with a $1.5 million lawsuit against the trainer, accusing him of plotting to “kidnap” the marine mammal. Sam Litzinger speaks to Demers, who gives his side of this love story gone bad.

A recent investigation by NBC News revealed a disturbing trend: since 2007, more than 300 pets have died while travelling on commercial airlines. NBC Bay Area Investigative Unit reporter Elyce Kirchner spent six months on the story and she shares her findings with us. We also have information about a new website which promises to make you smarter about your dog’s intelligence. Dognition is the brainchild of Dr. Brian Hare, a Duke University professor and director of the Duke Canine Cognition Center. He speaks to us about his work and his new book, "The Genius of Dogs."

Music: “Animal Dreams” by Bob James

John Lill, associate professor of biology at George Washington University shares his considerable knowledge of the singing insect species known as Magicicada, in anticipation of their arrival this spring after 17 years underground. Cori Menkin of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, or ASPCA, talks about the organization’s campaign to expose the mistreatment of animals in large-scale commercial dog breeding operations known as puppy mills.

Music: “La Cigarra (The Cicada)” by Linda Ronstadt