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.
|
Amazing Friendships Happen Everywhere...
An Abandoned Dog Befriends a Paralyzed Cat
Dog Therapy Works, and Here's Proof.
Once again, the presence of animals in our lives brings benefit and comfort, and this video is a testament to exactly that.
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.
No Matter the Species, Mothers Are the Best!
Great Moms All Over the Animal Kingdom
How Did This Japanese Woman Teach Her Dog to Whisper?
You've probably heard dogs howl, bark, and growl, but have you ever seen a dog do this?
You Won't Believe How Long These Animals Can Live For!
What do you think the longest-living life-form on Earth is? This video has all the answers!
WATCH: These Two Elephants Meet After 20 Years...
Being apart for 20 years can be hard, and when these 2 elephants finally met again, the results were simply beautiful.
Admire the Never Ending Beauty of the Rocky Mountains
Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most beautiful and awe-striking natural wonders of the USA - take a tour through this must-see location in this video.
Exploring the World of 8 Fascinating Pink Animals
Nature has blessed these creatures in stunning shades of pink.
Time Lapse Extreme: Over 800 Days in 8 Minutes
The satisfaction of sowing a seed and watching it grows is amplified when you see it at high speeds. Enjoy.
World's Finest Wildlife Images Crowned for 2023: 16 Pics
Check out the outstanding winners of One Eyeland’s 2023 Wildlife Photography Awards.
17 Trees Almost Too Beautiful and Strange To Be Real!
Trees are great, aren’t they? Nature is full of great wonders, but few are as startling as these bizarre but beautiful trees.
The Colors of These Birds are Ravishing!
Birds inspire us, fascinate us and make us admire them with their beauty and grace. Enjoy some beautiful pictures of 14 of the most colorful birds in the world.
WATCH: Crows Are a Lot Smarter Than You Imagine
I never thought birds could be this intelligent...
Gaze in Wonder at These 35 Amazing Photos of North America
North America has so much wonderful natural variety that it's easy to see why many believe it was blessed by God himself. Here are 35 amazing photos.
Learn the True Art Behind the Bonsai Tree
Ryan Neil is an expert in the art of shaping Bonsai Trees, and will take you on a journey into yourself through nature!
These X-ray Photos of Pregnant Animals Will Intrigue You
A collection of X-rays taken of pregnant animals.
West Canada is Wild, Strong and Ever So Pretty
The wilds of West Canada are some of the most jaw dropping natural scenes in all the world we live on.
Tourists From All Over Flock to See this Beautiful Island
Wouldn't you want to visit this beautiful island, filled with nothing but flowers?
In Pictures: Northern Lights Photographer of the Year 2022
Behold the best images from the Northern lights photographer of the year 2022.
These Ferocious Animals Are Making Some Unlikely Friends!
This zoo decided to start keeping labradors in its cheetah exhibit. Find out why here!
16 Photos That Showcase Our Planet’s Breathtaking Beauty
Check out these unbelievably picturesque photos from around the world.
Discover the Life of the Ocean's Most Cunning Creature
Discover the fascinating world of the octopus, and see for yourself exactly why scientists consider them to be one of the most intelligent creatures on Earth.
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.
The Following Deadly Beasts Are Not Man's Best Friends...
These 20 animals are responsible for killing the most humans each years. Some of these will definitely surprise you, have a look.
Photographer Captures Myriad Moods of Stunning Big Cats
Observing big cats from up close is rare. Here are some brilliant big cat portraits that take you real close to these magnificent animals.
The Most Amazing Facts About the Powerful Tiger!
If lions are kings, then tigers are emperors. Get to know the largest of all big cats with some very fascinating facts.
Turbulent Waters: Unbelievable Sea Moments
The ocean can be a big and scary place. Here are some of the craziest sea moments caught on camera.
The Animal Kingdom Now Has the Photographer it Deserves
Sergey Polyushko could be one of the world's finest animal photographers in history. Just look at these 17 fantastic snaps.
The Humble Origins of 10 Proud Rivers...
Did you ever wonder just how the world's greatest rivers begin? Here we show you the humble little sources of 10 amazing rivers. Just click to see!
The Reddest Reds In Nature Are Incredibly Beautiful
Red is arguably the most vibrant color of all, but have you ever spared a thought about the reddest reds in nature? Here are the top 10!
I Never Knew Bosnia Could Be So Breathtaking!
An incredible video of Bosnia & Herzegovina filmed for six months, displaying the natural beauty of this gorgeous country.
These 14 Cute Panda Bears Will Make you Laugh Out Loud!
There is no cuter and funnier animal than a panda bear, and if you don't believe me, these 14 examples will certainly prove it!
These Animals Can Teach Us a Thing or Two About Love
Love. It's not only an emotion expressed by humans. Here are 15 beautifully captured photos of animals that can't help but showcase their love to one another.
Weird Science: 12 Phenomena That Scientists Can’t Explain
Scientists think they're got the world covered but so many mysteries remain. Here are 12 bizarre phenomena that even scientists can't explain.
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?
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:
2023 Nature TTL Photographer of the Year: 16 Winning Pics
Check out the stunning winners from the Nature TTL Photographer of the Year contest.
Horse Kingdom: Exploring the 15 Most Stunning Horse Breeds
Many beautiful horse breeds have been developed over the course of the centuries, but some are more beautiful than others... Take a look.
The Astonishing Story of the Horse Who Could Do MATH
One of the most mathematically gifted and famous animals ever known was Clever Hans - a horse who lived in Germany in the early 1900s
10 Amazing Facts of Nature that Are Too Weird to Believe
Bizarre natural phenomena, creatures, plants and minerals. Here are some amazing and interesting things courtesy of nature to astound you
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.
Britain's Wildlife Is Stunning & These Photos Prove It
The British Wildlife Photography Awards has just announced the 2016 winners of their annual competition. Take a look.
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.
War of the Carnivores: Full Length Wildlife Documentary
These fierce warriors contest each other in a raw, untamed spectacle of survival, where every moment counts. Brace yourselves, the battle begins.