ODD ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR

FAINTING GOATS

Also known as myotonic goats, these are domestic goats whose

muscles completely freeze for about 10 seconds when they feel panic.

This usually results in the goat falling on its side.

KAMIKAZE BIRDS

During the months of September and October on dark moonless nights,

hundreds of birds dive to their deaths in the village of Jatinga, India.

Contrary to some rumours, however, the birds do not actually throw

themselves into the ground. They are usually speared and killed by

superstitious local villagers. Scientists believe that some combination

of environmental factors causes the birds to become disorientated

and fly towards the village lights. Attempts have been made to

educate the locals.

COWS ALL FACE THE SAME DIRECTION WHEN THEY EAT

Well actually they pick one of two directions, either north or south.

Scientists are still not sure why.

WHALES “VOICES” ARE GETTING DEEPER EVERY YEAR

It is only by a few hertz but for the last 40 years almost every recorded

whale song has gotten progressively deeper over the course of time.

Numerous theories have been put forth including everything from

noise pollution to global warming.

PREDICTING EARTHQUAKES

From worms to dogs, numerous animal species supposedly have this

“super power” which has been recorded since the days of ancient Greece.

In fact, some are said to predict earthquakes up to one week in advance.

As usual, we are not exactly sure why and just as a disclaimer, some

scientists reject this as coincidence.

SMOKING

Yes, even animals can get addicted to this vice as the case of Tori, the

Indonesian Orangutan, goes to show. Her zoo keepers even have to deal

with her tantrums if she doesn’t get her daily fix!

WARRING CHIMPS

Most animals fight, but chimpanzees do it in a decidedly human manner.

They perform raids, employ tactics, and capture territory.

ANIMAL-EATING PLANTS

Known as Pitcher plants, these carnivorous flowers typically consume

insects and bugs. Sometimes though they have been known to trap

rodents and even birds.

TROUBLED TEENAGERS

Over the course of the last few decades, young elephants throughout

Africa have been known to search out and kill rhinos for no apparent

reason. Park rangers decided to institute a “big brother” program that

paired young elephants with older elephants that would hopefully prevent

the troubled teens from acting up. Incredibly enough the program worked

and rhino deaths have gone down.