#animal-behavior
#animal-behavior

Alternative medicine

Paging Dr Chimp: the medical secrets we can learn from apes, birds and even butterflies

Birds in Mexico City use cigarette butts in nests for nicotine's medicinal properties against parasites.

1 day ago

Parenting

Starlings form friendships' to help each other with breeding, study finds

Superb starlings exhibit reciprocal altruism, closely mirroring human friendships in their cooperative breeding practices.

Cooperative breeding in superb starlings enhances both survival and reproductive success due to mutual assistance.

OMG science

Orcas a la mode, totally tubular sea pickles and bloodthirsty squirrels - High Country News

Orcas display playful behavior, such as wearing salmon on their heads, particularly when food is abundant in their ecosystem.

Alternative medicine

Paging Dr Chimp: the medical secrets we can learn from apes, birds and even butterflies

Birds in Mexico City use cigarette butts in nests for nicotine's medicinal properties against parasites.

1 day ago

Parenting

Starlings form friendships' to help each other with breeding, study finds

Superb starlings exhibit reciprocal altruism, closely mirroring human friendships in their cooperative breeding practices.

Cooperative breeding in superb starlings enhances both survival and reproductive success due to mutual assistance.

OMG science

Orcas a la mode, totally tubular sea pickles and bloodthirsty squirrels - High Country News

Orcas display playful behavior, such as wearing salmon on their heads, particularly when food is abundant in their ecosystem.

more#ecology

1 day ago

Pets

Miniature dachshund reunited with her owner after being lost for 18 months on remote island

Valerie, a lost dachshund, was reunited with her owners after 18 months on Kangaroo Island, showcasing resilience and the emotional bond between pets and their owners.

#cats

fromSan Francisco Bay Times

Pets

She treats everyone with a deep growl': can you train an angry cat to be more sociable?

Cats can be sociable and happy through socialization, especially during the critical early weeks of their lives.

Pets

Meet Spritely: SF SPCA's Most Talented Cat Is Ready for Her Big Break - San Francisco Bay Times

Cats can learn tricks, as demonstrated by Spritely at the SF SPCA.

Spritely is an intelligent and independent cat who communicates subtly.

2 days ago

Pets

Oh No, It's Another Emotional Story About My Cat! | Defector

Detective the cat's behavior changed after the arrival of a new baby, indicating a common adjustment challenge for pets.

fromSan Francisco Bay Times

Pets

She treats everyone with a deep growl': can you train an angry cat to be more sociable?

Cats can be sociable and happy through socialization, especially during the critical early weeks of their lives.

Pets

Meet Spritely: SF SPCA's Most Talented Cat Is Ready for Her Big Break - San Francisco Bay Times

Cats can learn tricks, as demonstrated by Spritely at the SF SPCA.

Spritely is an intelligent and independent cat who communicates subtly.

2 days ago

Pets

Oh No, It's Another Emotional Story About My Cat! | Defector

Detective the cat's behavior changed after the arrival of a new baby, indicating a common adjustment challenge for pets.

Snowboarding

Yosemite warns visitors about 'one of the most dangerous animals' in the park

Mule deer are the most dangerous animal in Yosemite, causing more injuries than any other; they can become aggressive when startled.

fromsilive

4 days ago

New York Islanders

Staten Island fox sightings increase: Pair caught on video at local cemetery

Red foxes have been spotted frequently in Staten Island, showcasing a unique urban wildlife experience.

fromSFGATE

Snowboarding

Yosemite warns visitors about 'one of the most dangerous animals' in the park

Mule deer are the most dangerous animal in Yosemite, causing more injuries than any other; they can become aggressive when startled.

fromsilive

4 days ago

New York Islanders

Staten Island fox sightings increase: Pair caught on video at local cemetery

Red foxes have been spotted frequently in Staten Island, showcasing a unique urban wildlife experience.

more#wildlife-safety

Parenting

Animals Think for Themselves

Animals frequently make independent choices that may diverge from the collective behavior, emphasizing individuality in decision-making.

Humans possess the ability to override biological instincts through emotional reasoning in challenging scenarios.

#dogs

Pets

Huge hound and pocket-sized pup: meet-and-sniff with world's tallest and smallest dogs

The playdate between the tallest and smallest dogs highlighted surprising friendship despite their significant size difference.

Science

Does daylight saving time affect dogs? It depends if they have to work.

Daylight Saving Time impacts working dogs' routines but not companion dogs, emphasizing differing responses based on their roles.

US news

The world's tallest and shortest dogs met for a playdate

The world's tallest and shortest dogs, despite their size difference, showcase a surprising amount of similarity in behavior.

Pets

Tim Dowling: our dog is running rings round the other dogs in the park and my wife

Walking both dogs at once requires at least two people due to their contrasting behaviors.

Pets

Huge hound and pocket-sized pup: meet-and-sniff with world's tallest and smallest dogs

The playdate between the tallest and smallest dogs highlighted surprising friendship despite their significant size difference.

Science

Does daylight saving time affect dogs? It depends if they have to work.

Daylight Saving Time impacts working dogs' routines but not companion dogs, emphasizing differing responses based on their roles.

US news

The world's tallest and shortest dogs met for a playdate

The world's tallest and shortest dogs, despite their size difference, showcase a surprising amount of similarity in behavior.

Pets

Tim Dowling: our dog is running rings round the other dogs in the park and my wife

Walking both dogs at once requires at least two people due to their contrasting behaviors.

Chicago Bears

Video. Three bears spotted playing on children's swing in Connecticut

Bears are emerging from their dens in Connecticut as spring progresses, drawing increased public attention.

fromAeon

philosophy

How evolution favoured costly and frivolous animal play | Aeon Essays

Animal play is widespread and puzzling, lacking immediate survival benefits yet prevalent across species.

MMA

You May Be Startled to Learn How Many Humans Have Been Killed by Gorillas

Gorillas rarely attack humans, with no recorded fatalities, challenging perceptions of their danger.

fromwww.mercurynews.com

Pets

What animal turned a Santa Clara car into a prickly pear pantry?

Rodents, likely rats, stash food in car engines, causing damage and potential hazards.

Subtle changes, like feeder appearance and seed availability, affect bird attraction.

Pets

Week in wildlife: wild ponies, a playful jaguar and penguin chicks taking their first swim

Snow leopards are endangered, with fewer than 6,000 in the wild.

Pets

Week in wildlife: a leopard cat, a vulture puppet and a hare playing hide and seek

Wildlife scenes capture the challenges and beauty of animal survival and conservation efforts.

fromeuronews

Chicago Bears

Video. Three bears spotted playing on children's swing in Connecticut

Bears are emerging from their dens in Connecticut as spring progresses, drawing increased public attention.

fromAeon

philosophy

How evolution favoured costly and frivolous animal play | Aeon Essays

Animal play is widespread and puzzling, lacking immediate survival benefits yet prevalent across species.

MMA

You May Be Startled to Learn How Many Humans Have Been Killed by Gorillas

Gorillas rarely attack humans, with no recorded fatalities, challenging perceptions of their danger.

fromwww.mercurynews.com

Pets

What animal turned a Santa Clara car into a prickly pear pantry?

Rodents, likely rats, stash food in car engines, causing damage and potential hazards.

Subtle changes, like feeder appearance and seed availability, affect bird attraction.

Pets

Week in wildlife: wild ponies, a playful jaguar and penguin chicks taking their first swim

Snow leopards are endangered, with fewer than 6,000 in the wild.

Pets

Week in wildlife: a leopard cat, a vulture puppet and a hare playing hide and seek

Wildlife scenes capture the challenges and beauty of animal survival and conservation efforts.

Why Is My Dog Attacking My Other Dog All Of A Sudden? Experts Weigh In

Dogs can experience sibling rivalry, leading to fighting and aggressive behavior due to shifting dynamics and environmental changes.

#music

fromThe Mercury News

OMG science

Scientists once thought only humans could bob to music. Ronan the California sea lion helped prove them wrong

Ronan the sea lion retains her remarkable ability to keep a beat, challenging previous notions about animal rhythm recognition.

Music

Ronan, a head-bobbing sea lion, is one of top ambassadors' of animal musicality

Ronan the sea lion defies assumptions about musicality in animals, showing she can keep a steady beat like humans and some birds.

fromThe Mercury News

OMG science

Scientists once thought only humans could bob to music. Ronan the California sea lion helped prove them wrong

Ronan the sea lion retains her remarkable ability to keep a beat, challenging previous notions about animal rhythm recognition.

Music

Ronan, a head-bobbing sea lion, is one of top ambassadors' of animal musicality

Ronan the sea lion defies assumptions about musicality in animals, showing she can keep a steady beat like humans and some birds.

more#music

#wildlife-conservation

Miscellaneous

Week in wildlife in pictures: a newborn turtle, a tiny frog and a rare tiger

Green sea turtle hatchlings face extreme challenges as they attempt to reach the ocean, with a survival rate of only one in 1,000.

Non-profit organizations

The art of moving a buffalo - High Country News

Effective management of bison requires keen observation and understanding of their body language.

MMA

Ape Researchers Evaluate Whether 100 Furious Men Could Bludgeon a Gorilla to Death

A hundred average men likely could not defeat a silverback gorilla in a hand-to-hand fight without severe casualties.

Environment

Like kidnapping your grandpa': why relocating orangutans threatens their survival

Many orangutans struggle with relocation, often returning to their original habitats, indicating that moving them may cause more harm than good.

NYC food

Why the Bronx Zoo is feeding a baby vulture with a hand puppet

A baby king vulture is fed by a hand puppet to prevent human imprinting.

Miscellaneous

Week in wildlife in pictures: a newborn turtle, a tiny frog and a rare tiger

Green sea turtle hatchlings face extreme challenges as they attempt to reach the ocean, with a survival rate of only one in 1,000.

Non-profit organizations

The art of moving a buffalo - High Country News

Effective management of bison requires keen observation and understanding of their body language.

MMA

Ape Researchers Evaluate Whether 100 Furious Men Could Bludgeon a Gorilla to Death

A hundred average men likely could not defeat a silverback gorilla in a hand-to-hand fight without severe casualties.

Environment

Like kidnapping your grandpa': why relocating orangutans threatens their survival

Many orangutans struggle with relocation, often returning to their original habitats, indicating that moving them may cause more harm than good.

more#wildlife-conservation

NYC food

Why the Bronx Zoo is feeding a baby vulture with a hand puppet

A baby king vulture is fed by a hand puppet to prevent human imprinting.

fromHackernoon

Artificial intelligence

Incentives, Not Intent, Are Taming Us | HackerNoon

Domestication is a deliberate process involving human selection of traits in plants and animals, traceable through generations.

Women in technology

World's tallest and shortest dogs meet

Pearl the Chihuahua and Reggie the Great Dane defy size norms, showcasing an endearing friendship despite their dramatic height difference.

#bats

OMG science

How Bats Enjoy an In-Flight Beverage Service

Bats excel at multitasking, able to fly and drink simultaneously without crashing.

fromNature

Roam Research

For these bats, eavesdropping is a valuable learnt skill

Fringe-lipped bats learn to distinguish between toxic and non-toxic frog calls over time.

OMG science

How Bats Enjoy an In-Flight Beverage Service

Bats excel at multitasking, able to fly and drink simultaneously without crashing.

fromNature

Roam Research

For these bats, eavesdropping is a valuable learnt skill

Fringe-lipped bats learn to distinguish between toxic and non-toxic frog calls over time.

more#bats

#chimpanzees

Food & drink

Wild chimpanzees filmed by scientists bonding over alcoholic fruit

Chimpanzees may experience social bonding benefits from sharing fermented fruit, similar to humans' experiences with alcohol.

Wine

Wild chimps caught on camera for the first time sharing boozy fruit

Chimpanzees in West Africa exhibit social drinking behaviors with fermented fruit, suggesting potential evolutionary links to human alcohol consumption.

fromArs Technica

Beer

Are these chimps having a fruity booze-up in the wild?

Chimpanzees in the wild share fermented breadfruit, demonstrating social behavior comparable to humans.

Food & drink

Wild chimpanzees filmed by scientists bonding over alcoholic fruit

Chimpanzees may experience social bonding benefits from sharing fermented fruit, similar to humans' experiences with alcohol.

Wine

Wild chimps caught on camera for the first time sharing boozy fruit

Chimpanzees in West Africa exhibit social drinking behaviors with fermented fruit, suggesting potential evolutionary links to human alcohol consumption.

fromArs Technica

Beer

Are these chimps having a fruity booze-up in the wild?

Chimpanzees in the wild share fermented breadfruit, demonstrating social behavior comparable to humans.

Help Me if You Can

Helping is a social behavior that benefits partners, requiring understanding and motivation, and is prevalent in both humans and animals.

Mental health

Who's a clever boy: the average dog has a mental age of about two. But what are they really thinking?

Dogs may understand over 1,000 words, akin to the way children learn language.

Psychology

Help Me if You Can

Helping is a social behavior that benefits partners, requiring understanding and motivation, and is prevalent in both humans and animals.

Mental health

Who's a clever boy: the average dog has a mental age of about two. But what are they really thinking?

Dogs may understand over 1,000 words, akin to the way children learn language.

more#psychology

#communication

OMG science

Bonobos' Complex Calls Share an Extraordinary Trait with Human Language

Bonobos exhibit advanced communication abilities similar to humans, specifically in creating complex meanings through nontrivial compositionality.

OMG science

Fight, Flee or Freeze? This Tiny Caterpillar Does a Secret Fourth Thing

Baby warty birch caterpillars vibrate and use complex behaviors to protect their territory.

Bonobos' Complex Calls Share an Extraordinary Trait with Human Language

Bonobos exhibit advanced communication abilities similar to humans, specifically in creating complex meanings through nontrivial compositionality.

Fight, Flee or Freeze? This Tiny Caterpillar Does a Secret Fourth Thing

Baby warty birch caterpillars vibrate and use complex behaviors to protect their territory.

more#communication

Europe news

Into dudes who drum? You might be a female fiddler crab

The European fiddler crab's courtship dance includes complex seismic signals in addition to visual displays to attract mates.

Mental health

fromTiny Buddha

The Mean Instinct: Why We Exclude Others and How to Stop - Tiny Buddha

Meanness in social dynamics may be a learned behavior rather than an inherent trait.

Girls often face cycles of exclusion that mirror animal social structures.

Watch animals react to CA quake as elephants form 'alert circle,' cat confused

Animals exhibit protective behaviors and confusion during earthquakes as shown in recent videos from San Diego.

LA Dodgers

Elephants at San Diego Zoo form 'alert circle' to protect youngest calves during earthquake: video

Elephants instinctively protect their young during earthquakes by forming an 'alert circle'.

fromABC7 Los Angeles

Parenting

VIDEO: Elephants at San Diego Zoo huddle to protect calves during earthquake

Elephants at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park exhibited protective behavior during a 5.2-magnitude earthquake.

US news

After an Earthquake, These Elephants Knew Exactly Who to Follow: Mom

Elephants at the San Diego Zoo displayed a defensive behavior called 'bunching' in response to a 5.2 magnitude earthquake.

San Jose Sharks

fromSacramento Bee

Watch animals react to CA quake as elephants form 'alert circle,' cat confused

Animals exhibit protective behaviors and confusion during earthquakes as shown in recent videos from San Diego.

LA Dodgers

Elephants at San Diego Zoo form 'alert circle' to protect youngest calves during earthquake: video

Elephants instinctively protect their young during earthquakes by forming an 'alert circle'.

fromABC7 Los Angeles

Parenting

VIDEO: Elephants at San Diego Zoo huddle to protect calves during earthquake

Elephants at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park exhibited protective behavior during a 5.2-magnitude earthquake.

US news

After an Earthquake, These Elephants Knew Exactly Who to Follow: Mom

Elephants at the San Diego Zoo displayed a defensive behavior called 'bunching' in response to a 5.2 magnitude earthquake.

more#earthquake

#conservation

fromwww.sandiegouniontribune.com

Contributors to Scientific American's May 2025 Issue

Elephants exhibit complex communication and social behaviors resembling human mentorship.

LA Clippers

San Diego Safari Park video shows elephants forming alert circle' during quake

African elephants form protective 'alert circles' around their young during earthquakes, demonstrating their social behavior and instinct to protect.

The herd's behavior showcases deep social connections among elephants, especially during threatening conditions.

fromwww.sandiegouniontribune.com

Contributors to Scientific American's May 2025 Issue

Elephants exhibit complex communication and social behaviors resembling human mentorship.

LA Clippers

San Diego Safari Park video shows elephants forming alert circle' during quake

African elephants form protective 'alert circles' around their young during earthquakes, demonstrating their social behavior and instinct to protect.

The herd's behavior showcases deep social connections among elephants, especially during threatening conditions.

more#conservation

#nature

Pets

Why I can't stop watching two pandas not have sex | Emma Beddinton

Pandas Mao Sun and Xing Er at Copenhagen Zoo continue to avoid mating despite human efforts, raising questions about animal interference in wildlife.

The article humorously explores the challenges of panda mating while drawing parallels to human dating and relationships.

fromThe Conversation

philosophy

Can animals make art?

Satin bowerbirds create intricate structures that may bridge the gap between nature and art, challenging definitions of art.

The debate on whether animal creations can be deemed art raises philosophical questions about emotion and intention in art.

Pets

Why I can't stop watching two pandas not have sex | Emma Beddinton

Pandas Mao Sun and Xing Er at Copenhagen Zoo continue to avoid mating despite human efforts, raising questions about animal interference in wildlife.

The article humorously explores the challenges of panda mating while drawing parallels to human dating and relationships.

fromThe Conversation

philosophy

Can animals make art?

Satin bowerbirds create intricate structures that may bridge the gap between nature and art, challenging definitions of art.

The debate on whether animal creations can be deemed art raises philosophical questions about emotion and intention in art.

This scientist is on a quest ... to salvage whale brains

Studying whale brains can reveal insights into their behavior and adaptations.

OMG science

Dolphins Communicate with Fountains of Pee'

Animal urine is not just for marking territory; it serves as a complex communication tool among species.

Aerial urination in dolphins may convey social information.

Science

This scientist is on a quest ... to salvage whale brains

Studying whale brains can reveal insights into their behavior and adaptations.

OMG science

Dolphins Communicate with Fountains of Pee'

Animal urine is not just for marking territory; it serves as a complex communication tool among species.

Aerial urination in dolphins may convey social information.

Roam Research

Lessons from a Lost-Pet Detective Named Kat

Kat Albrecht transformed her experience as a dog handler into a career detecting lost pets, founding the Missing Animal Response Network.

Mental health

How to Be a 'Good' Dog In a Human-Centered World

Vivian Zottola's book advocates for positive, force-free dog training and understanding canine psychology to help dogs thrive in human environments.

OMG science

Vets reveal the surprisingly simple way to talk to your dog

Combining pointing and gazing is the most effective way to direct a dog's attention.

Roam Research

Lessons from a Lost-Pet Detective Named Kat

Kat Albrecht transformed her experience as a dog handler into a career detecting lost pets, founding the Missing Animal Response Network.

Mental health

How to Be a 'Good' Dog In a Human-Centered World

Vivian Zottola's book advocates for positive, force-free dog training and understanding canine psychology to help dogs thrive in human environments.

OMG science

Vets reveal the surprisingly simple way to talk to your dog

Combining pointing and gazing is the most effective way to direct a dog's attention.

more#dog-training

Relationships

The Hamster of Love

A hamster's behavior can change interactions and relationships between pets and their owners.

Arts

fromFast Company

Do animals make art? Exploring the blurred line between instinct and creativity

Satin bowerbirds' structures may challenge definitions of art, raising questions about animal creativity and the essence of artistic expression.

fromPinkNews | Latest lesbian, gay, bi and trans news | LGBTQ+ news

Mouse-to-Mouse Resuscitation: Rodents Try to Revive Unconscious Buddies

Mice display behavior akin to CPR when encountering unconscious peers, suggesting innate first aid instincts.

OMG science

SF LGBT

This clip of adorable lesbian penguin Green Bean is the timeline cleanse you need

The viral penguin video offers a heartwarming distraction amidst negative LGBTQ+ news, showcasing love and companionship in a unique animal bond.

#evolution

fromenglish.elpais.com

Bonobos recognize the ignorance of others, a trait once thought to be unique to humans

Bonobos can recognize ignorance in others and cooperate to communicate this, showcasing cognitive abilities previously thought unique to humans.

The Evolution of Sex: Gender, Mating, and Social Relations

Modern ideas about gender and sexuality are rooted in animal ancestors, revealing the diversity of sexual behaviors in nature.

fromenglish.elpais.com

Bonobos recognize the ignorance of others, a trait once thought to be unique to humans

Bonobos can recognize ignorance in others and cooperate to communicate this, showcasing cognitive abilities previously thought unique to humans.

The Evolution of Sex: Gender, Mating, and Social Relations

Modern ideas about gender and sexuality are rooted in animal ancestors, revealing the diversity of sexual behaviors in nature.

more#evolution

#narwhals

Narwhals, 'unicorns of the sea,' might use their tusks for play

Narwhals may engage in play behavior, specifically exploratory-object play, as a recently observed use of their tusks.

US news

Does the narwhal's famous tusk help it catch fish?

Narwhals may use their long tusks to stun or kill fish, though their exact purpose remains debated among researchers.

Narwhals, 'unicorns of the sea,' might use their tusks for play

Narwhals may engage in play behavior, specifically exploratory-object play, as a recently observed use of their tusks.

US news

Does the narwhal's famous tusk help it catch fish?

Narwhals may use their long tusks to stun or kill fish, though their exact purpose remains debated among researchers.

more#narwhals

Mouse-to-mouse resuscitation! Watch a rodent giving 'first aid'

Mice exhibit instinctual first aid behaviors to assist unconscious companions, activating the 'love hormone' oxytocin.

Medicine

#turtles

OMG science

Watch turtles 'dance' when a magnetic field signals a meal

Loggerhead turtles exhibit the ability to learn and remember magnetic field signatures, aiding in their navigation and food finding.

Science

Are You Entranced By The Turtle Dance? | Defector

The turtle dance reveals baby loggerhead sea turtles' anticipation of food and their ability to memorize magnetic fields.

OMG science

Watch turtles 'dance' when a magnetic field signals a meal

Loggerhead turtles exhibit the ability to learn and remember magnetic field signatures, aiding in their navigation and food finding.

Science

Are You Entranced By The Turtle Dance? | Defector

The turtle dance reveals baby loggerhead sea turtles' anticipation of food and their ability to memorize magnetic fields.

more#turtles

Science

These bonobos know what you don't know

Bonobos exhibit behavior suggesting an understanding of human mental states, tailoring their actions based on what humans know.

fromPadailypost