The Subway Dogs of Moscow
All creatures want to survive, and the constant change of our world is matched by our ability to adjust to new conditions, which are often less than ideal. This is exactly what the homeless dogs of Moscow have done, improved on their survival skills to match a cold, urban enviornment.
According to Russian scientists, the stray dogs of the Russian capital have become much more sophisticated than their pet counterparts and have been demonstrating extraordinary skills for years now, like taking the subway every day and getting food in very original ways.
Russian scientists estimate that these dogs had to get used to riding on the metro due to big changes occuring in the city during the 90s. With the collapse of the Soviet Union, all the factories were removed from the center of the city and and relocated to the skirts of Moscow, where dogs rarely go and cannot find food. The dogs used to sleep in the factories, and many were 'adopted' by the workers.
After the change, dogs had to move and they learned that the best place for them is to travel with the humans and come back in the evening.
"Sometimes the dogs get the wrong line but they are learning", explains a local researcher. "It's amazing how they manage to get off on the right station. They even pick the first car of the train, apparently because they're usually less crowded." Biologists say dogs have very nice sense of time which helps them not to miss their destination.
Another skill they have is to cross the road on the green traffic light. They only cross the road when there's a green light, "not because they see the color, but because they recognize the shape of the walking man."
When it comes to food, Moscow's commercial revolution has made the trash cans (usually the first place stray dogs look at for food), less relevant and so their methods of getting food have become more creative, like convincing travellers to buy them a hot dog or a schawarma.
Their method is usually the same, and works most of the time - A customer buys food for him/herself, the dog creeps up behind them and gives a loud bark, which
causes the person to drop the food, which the oppurtunistic dog immediately grabs. 10 minutes later, they'll try their urban hunting technique on someone else.
"The dogs seem to have a great psychological understanding of who will be scared enough to drop their food and who won't."
But there are more traditional ways, as we all know. And as a young girl sits on a bench to eay a hot dog, a cute dog will appear and put its head on her knee and whine, until she can't help but offer him a piece.
It’s funny but the ecologists studying Moscow stray dogs also tell the dogs don’t miss a chance to get some play while on their travel in the subway. They are fond of jumping in the train just seconds before the doors shut closed risking their tails be jammed. “They do it for fun, just they have enough food”, they conclude.
|
Who is the Better Lifeguard, Man or Dog?
Dogs are man's best friend, but could they also be other things like "man's best lifeguard"?
An Inspiring Collection of Moments in the Lives of Animals
Some of the most poignant stories and photos of animals from around the world.
A Sweeter Friendship Than This One Is Hard to Find...
This goes to show you - animals can have an even better code of conduct than humans do.
A Dance with a Million Partners - Incredible Nature!
Between the end of spring and the beginning of a new summer, the Tisza River in Hungary is host to one of the most incredible natural phenomena, as millions of long tailed mayflies form huge masses and rise from the water, flutter and dance above the
This Tender Moment of Innocence Is So Beautiful
Watc this heart melting video of a golden retriever guarding and playing with this child who was born with down syndrome for a warm feeling that will accompany you today.
8 Members of the Animal World Who Thrive In Their Solitude
Here's a look at some of the most interesting solitary animals in the world who thrive in their solitude.
The Beautiful World of Indian Birds - 21 Gorgeous Photos
Let’s marvel at the exotic beauty of Indian birds.
The Most Incredible Animal Friendships!
in reality, animals can sometimes remind us of childhood stories and tv programs - sometimes the unlikely friendships are indeed made by animals, and here's the proof:
How Well Do You Know Canada's 9 Wildest Animals?
Canada is home to some fascinating animals. Some are cuddly, some of dangerous, but all hold pride of place in the natural wonderland of Canada.
Spore to Fungi: The Lifecycle of Mushrooms in Fast-Forward
Enjoy this look into one of nature's most incredible shows: the lifecycle of the mushroom in time-lapse over 2 years.
14 Plants in the Most Artful, Unique, and Quirky Pots
These perfectly-paired pots and plants will light up any garden.
All Dogs Are Loyal, But Which Breeds Are the MOST Loyal?
Dogs have been man's best friend for millennia now, but there are some breeds that exhibit traits of undying loyalty. Here are the top 10 most loyal dog breeds.
The Truth About Nature’s Most Misunderstood Animals
Bats, hyenas, vultures, snakes, and more – today we will shed light on the world’s most misunderstood animals.
This Incredible Video Takes You Swimming With a Polar Bear
Go on a swim right next to one of the world's biggest apex predators.
Transparent Animals Are Rare but They Really Do Exist
To preserve individual species, nature uses some wonderful tricks - like invisibility! Here are a collection of see-through creatures.
Must Watch: The Invisible Miracles of Nature
This filmmaker takes you on an in-depth journey of the incredible expansive universes present in our universe.
Fly Through the Most Royally Stunning Castles of Europe!
I love this wonderful drone footage of the great castles and palaces of old Europe so much I just had to share it with you. It's a true life fairytale.
Do Big Cats Like Catnip? - Find Out!
We try giving catnip to 5 different types of big cats!
Explore the Secret World Of The Jellyfish With This Video
This full documentary will help you get a better understanding of the world that jellyfish inhabit.
7 Surprising Animals That Have The Ability To ‘Fly’
Here's a look at some unique and surprising members of the animal kingdom that have developed the ability to fly through the air.
Watch Penguin Chicks Hatch in this Beautiful Nature Video
This fascinating video uses hidden cameras to capture the moments when baby penguins emerge from their shells, ready to be shown off by their proud dads.
Hilarious! Nobody Tells Mother Nature What to Do!
Here are 18 ironic photos that prove that nature doesn't care about what people want!
These Dogs Have the Best Hair Day, Every Day.
I have never seen dogs that look so amazing before. They all have such beautiful coats of hair!
WATCH: Crows Are a Lot Smarter Than You Imagine
I never thought birds could be this intelligent...
15 Bizarre Animals You Just Don't See Every Day...
There are so many odd species of animals roaming the corners of the Earth. 15 bizarre looking animals I never knew existed on the planet!
The Adorable Babies of 10 of the Most Feared Predators
Although we'd prefer not to come close to predatory beasts, their babies are so cute and hard to resist!
This Stunning Bird of Prey Video Will Leave You in Awe!
Be humbled by the extreme beauty of these birds of prey in their natural environment.
16 Award-Winning Shots That’ll Take Your Breath Away
The 2020 winners of the nature photography competition BigPicture have been announced, and they are astounding!
These Stunning Trees Are Unlike Anything I've Ever Seen
There are many variety of trees that grow on our planet, but some stand out from the rest. The following trees grow in all forms of shapes and colors. They will surely take your breath away.
Amazing Nature: Can a Lion Fend Off 20 Hyenas?
What happens when Red the lion gets attacked by a pack of hyenas?
Run For Your Lives! History's Largest Volcanic Eruptions
A major volcanic eruption is a landmark event, deeply affecting thousands of lives and the surrounding landscape. Here are the 11 largest eruptions in history.
Black Sand & Blue Seas Make These Beaches Spectacular
As beautiful as the beaches may be, there is something alluring and mysteriously beautiful about black sand beaches. Take a look.
The Flowers & Blossoms of Fruit Trees Are Achingly Pretty
There are few things in this world that are quite as magical as a flowering or blossoming fruit tree. Take a look at 15 stunning images of fruit tree flowers.
GUIDE: 15 of the Smallest, Sweetest Dog Breeds
If you're interested in meeting some of the smallest and cutest dog breeds in the world, check out these 15 breeds.
These Serpents are Stunning, but Have a Deadly Bite...
In all the fear, there is always beauty, especially for these 20 species of venomous snakes, that add both venom and color to the world.
16 Stunning Gardens I'd Be Delighted to Stroll Through...
A stunning collection of 16 different landscape designs that will excite every nature lover out there.
Take Flight With a Wonderfully Crisp Video of the Himalayas
If you ever wanted to see Mt. Everest up close but never had a chance, just sit back and enjoy this amazing video. It's almost like being there in person.
This is What Pure Love Looks Like in the Animal Kingdom
This heart-warming photo series proves that the love between a parent and child is universal.
5 HUGE Waves You Wouldn't Believe if it Wasn't On Video
These huge waves are probably not the biggest to ever happen, but they're definitely the 5 biggest waves ever caught on video.
These Beautiful Endangered Butterflies are a Joy to Behold
These exotic butterflies are extremly rare and placed high atop the endangered species list, but will fill your eyes with color and wonder.
Wildlife Is Even More Beautiful In 4K Definition!
The wildlife in Myanmar is beautiful, and we're lucky enough to witness it being captured in 4K definition. Enjoy!
This Horse Breed is One of the Most Royally Graceful...
These horses truly display the traits and gracefulness that have caused man to fall in love with this animal, so long ago.
The Deadliest Volcanic Eruptions in Human History
Volcanoes are one of Mother Nature's deadliest phenomena. Here are the 5 most deadliest volcanic eruptions in human history.
Nature: How Animals Evolved Head Weapons
The history of animal head weapons is diverse and fascinating.
These Transformations from Summer to Winter Will Amaze You
These stunning photographs show some of the world's most beautiful places before and after the arrival of winter. Check them out, you won't be disappointed!