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.
|
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
An Inspiring Collection of Moments in the Lives of Animals
Some of the most poignant stories and photos of animals from around the world.
This Family Really Went the Extra Mile for Their Dog...
When this family was leaving their dog behind, they made sure to take care of him in a beautiful way.
Salvation Is Around the Corner - Touching!
This is the story of Bethany, a dog the world forgot about, until this dog rescue team found her...
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.
Amazing Friendships Happen Everywhere...
An Abandoned Dog Befriends a Paralyzed Cat
Learn How Wolves Evolved Into Domestic Dogs
Ever wondered how wolves ended up evolving into the dogs that we all know and love? Find out how it happened in this article.
There are So Many Reasons for Us to Love Penguins
Penguins are as beautiful as they are fascinating. Here is all you need to know about these wonderful birds...
A Photo Guide to Beautiful Birds of Prey
A comprehensive photo-guide of common and rare birds of prey.
These Rapid Blooming Flowers Will Brighten Your Day
This video of flowers blooming will brighten your day. So, go ahead, treat yourself to a few minutes of beauty and relaxation.
Expect to See Lots of Butterflies with These Flowers
Here are 15 flowers you should add to your outdoor space in the hope of seeing more beautiful butterflies.
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.
The Best Photos of the Milky Way Taken From Perfect Places
Take a look at the vivid colors of the Milky Way from the most remote and gorgeous locations in the world in this collection of photographs
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.
The Internet's Burning Questions About Biology, Answered
Watch biologist Thor Hanson answer some fascinating questions about biology in this video.
This Bird is a Masterful Trickster When It Comes To Feeding
The Drongo bird is one of nature's greatest tricksters. Watch this video to find out how it tricks meerkats into bringing food to it.
Tourists From All Over Flock to See this Beautiful Island
Wouldn't you want to visit this beautiful island, filled with nothing but flowers?
Nature After Dark: Exploring 8 Nocturnal Animals
Let us take you up close and personal with some of the most unusual nocturnal animals of our world.
Woman Captures Stunning Photos of Birds in Her Back Yard!
Although the weather and seasons in Germany and Michigan are quite similar, one woman realized that the birds are different. She took some great photos to prove this.
The First 3 Months of a Panda's Life is Amazing to Watch!
The first 100 days in a panda's life. They don't start out looking like pandas!
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.
20 Beautiful and Exotic Dog Breeds I'd Love to Get to Know!
Here you can enjoy our collection of 20 beautiful photos of exotic and very rare dogs you won't find at your local park.
15 Pictures Depicting the Rare Wonders of Nature
In this article, we display 15 unique photos of various natural phenomena - from rare eye colors to beautiful rock formations, and even albino plants.
These Flowers are Some of the Most Expensive in the World
Flowers are never cheap, but as you're about to see, some are a lot more expensive than others.
These Hidden Heroes Need To Be Recognized
Here are some of the most unappreciated heroes you'll see, showing rare moments of bravery when things get tough.
This Woman Takes Incredible Wildlife Pics With Hidden Cams
A woman has set up a secret camera in her backyard bird feeder and ends up capturing the most interesting wildlife photos.
The Sheer Beauty of Nature Is Captured in Words & Images
Enjoy these spectacular photos alongside some words of wisdom.
The Crystal Waters of Fiji Are Pure Underwater Heaven
There are few waters more beautiful than the crystal clear waters of Fiji.
Unbelievable! I Have Never Seen Animals Act Like This!
When you're out in the wilderness or outdoors, you're at the mercy of Mother Nature, and crazy things can happen. If you're lucky, like these guys, you might get to catch those things on camera!
Capturing Africa's Wild Beauty: 17 Mesmerizing Pics
Enjoy this photographic journey of African wildlife.
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!
Nature's Marvel: The Fascinating Biology of Seahorses
The seahorse is one of the most unique creatures of our planet. Let’s find out some interesting facts about its insane biology.
The Most Frightening and Bizarre Creatures of the Ocean
Terrifying and alien creatures of the dark depths of the ocean
There Are Awesome New Dog Breeds in the World...
21 of the most adorable new canine cross breeds.
Mother's Day is Celebrated Among the Animals Too...
Remind yourself of your mother's love this Mother's Day by viewing these heartwarming photos of animal moms with their young.
25 Cute and Curious Animals Just Discovering the Snow
25 adorable animals are experiencing the simple pleasures of playing outside in the snow for the very first time.
This Incredible Animal Video Had Millions Talking About It!
From the moment these baby iguanas hatch, they are faced with a life or death situation. Can they survive the snake gauntlet?
21 Gorgeous Reasons Nature Needs No Photoshop
You'll be impressed by 21 nature pictures that prove the world is beautiful the way it is if you only know where to look.
15 Wildlife Photos SO Bad They Are Actually Funny
Here is a look at a collection of hilarious pictures of wild animals that are so bad they will actually make you laugh.
You Will Be Amazed at the United Kingdom's Pure Natural Beauty
The British Isles are ancient lands, filled with history, and also places of sublime natural beauty. Come see these beautiful places close at hand, taken by talented photographers.
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.
The Unchallenged Beauty of 14 Waterfalls Worldwide
Admire the beauty and power of 14 picturesque waterfalls from every corner of the planet
The Oldest Cat in the World Lived Nearly 40 Years!
These creatures and organisms from all around the world are the oldest of their kind, and may even be the oldest living things on Earth!
Marvel at the Stunning Winners of Ocean Art Awards!
Marvel at the spectacular winning images from the 2023 Ocean Art Underwater Photo Contest.
The Worst Earthquakes in History - a Nightmare Turned Real
On this list, we feature 9 of the most devastating and deadly earthquakes in history - in rising order according to the Richter scale.
This Man Saved the Tiniest Bird You've Ever Seen
This video is heart melting. Such a good guy this man is, saving the tiniest birds you've ever seen. See the tiny eggs transform into tiny creatures of fluff and feather.
These Photographs Beautifully Capture Stunning Sunsets
Enjoy this stunning series of orange, red and golden sunsets, and share with those who have beauty in their heart.