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.
|
Rescued from the Fighting Pits - Sam`s Story
The true soul of a dog is kind, no matter what they go through in life. Sam is a testament to that.
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
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...
No Matter the Species, Mothers Are the Best!
Great Moms All Over the Animal Kingdom
The Touching Story of a Disabled Boy and His 3 Legged Dog.
The story of a beautiful friendship that changed the life of a little boy.
In Pictures: 17 Award-Winning Nature & Wildlife Shots
Check out the best winning images and finalists from the Big Picture Natural World Photography Contest.
16 Photos That Showcase Our Planet’s Breathtaking Beauty
Check out these unbelievably picturesque photos from around the world.
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.
This Photographer Captured a Baby's Journey in the Womb
This photographer's amazing project concerned capturing a baby's development in the womb, from the moment of conception through to birth. Take a look.
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!
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.
These Creatures Are So Scary You'll Be Happy They're Extinct
Once you read more about these extinct animals - you'll be happy you won't have to see them in real life.
Meet Wisdom, the World's Oldest Known Wild Bird
Wisdom, a Laysan albatross, has survived tsunamis and raised over 40 chicks. And she’s still not done!
Meet the Giant Cassowary – The Modern-Day Dinosaur
Meet the most dangerous bird on Earth, the giant cassowary, that is also regarded as a modern-day dinosaur.
9 Heartwarming Instances of Wild Animals Saving Humans
Animals are more intelligent and kind than we give them credit for, and these 9 touching stories prove that
Find Out More About North American Butterflies Here
Mankind has always been fascinated by butterflies and that fascination hasn't died down today. Take a look at these informative images.
Visiting the Tallest Moutain in NZ: Mount Cook Adventure!
Don't miss out on this opportunity to witness the splendor of this unique destination.
This Botanical Garden in Pennsylvania Is Out of This World
Take a look at these terrific photos of stunning Botanical garden, Longwood Gardens.
Beautiful! This Nimble Bird is a Magical Sight to Watch
Both strong and beautiful the hummingbird is a magical sight to watch. Look through this beautiful tribute to the nimble bird.
These Tiny Creatures Made Me Smile All Day Long
Animals come in many shapes and sizes. But they all start at one size - small! One can hardly look at a baby animal without feeling a sense of kinship, a desire to protect, and uncontorllable urge to say: "awwww".
These Mind-Blowing Landscape Photos Need to be Framed
Take a look at the magical winners of the 2022 Landscape Photographer of the Year competition.
A Royal Beast: Celebrating the Beauty of the Horse
These stunning photos and beautiful quotes about horses made me remember how much I admire them.
A Dolphin Asks a Human for Help!
We have seen animal rescue, but rarely have we seen the animal search for humans to save it!
Lions! What You Didn't Know About This Amazing Creature
There is so much to know about this beautiful yet terrifying beast of the wild. This video takes you on a trip of discovery of numerous interesting things you probably didn't know about Lions.
A Wonderful Collection of Flowers, Beauty and Color
This is BabaMail's Ultimate Floral Post collection. We've selected 12 of the best articles, photo-series and videos from our website for you to enjoy.
These Are Definitely the Oddest Couples I Could Imagine...
These strange couples destroy all my previous notions about animal relationships.
Animal Kingdom: Meet the World’s Grumpiest Cat
Pallas’s cats are perhaps the most unusual wild cats of our planet.
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.
Close-Up Photographer of the Year 2022: 15 Winning Images
Check out some of the most stunning entries from the Close-Up Photographer of the Year Challenge.
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.
Have You Ever Seen Birds More Stunning than These?
Among all species, birds are perhaps the prettiest. Take a look at the world's most beautiful birds:
Exploring the World of 8 Fascinating Pink Animals
Nature has blessed these creatures in stunning shades of pink.
The 19 Most Breathtaking Fall Photos From Across the Globe
Let's celebrate the unique beauty of autumn! Admire this beautiful season in 19 different places around the globe with these stunning photos
Italian Wildlife Should be Talked About a Lot More!
Join us on a journey to Italy’s amazing wildlife.
Behold, 10 of the Most Beautiful Flowers in the World!
Take a look at the world's most beautiful flowers in this collection of photos we have made just for you to enjoy and share with your friends.
Here Are 10 of The Most Spectacular Forests in the World
Forests make up a third of our planet, and some of them are just utterly spectacular. Here are 10 of the most amazing forests in the world.
Milky Way Photographer of the Year 2023: 15 Striking Pics
The winners of the 2023 Milky Way Photographer of the Year contest have been revealed!
Australia Has Some of the Cutest Wildlife in the World!
Australia has many deadly animals, but did you know it's also filled with fluffy, adorable wildlife? Warning: You may want to fly to Australia and hug some animals after this post.
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.
The Colorful and Beautiful Birds of Paradise!
This amazing video brings to life the most beautiful and stunning of birds!
Humans and Wild Animals CAN Be Friends...
This beautiful video makes my faith in humanity just a little stronger, as these humans have managed to befriend some of the wildest animals out there by being gentle.
Iguazu Falls Are Definitely Going on My Bucket List
Iguazu Falls are often called the most beautiful waterfalls in the whole world. Take a look at these stunning shots to see if you agree.
The Unchallenged Beauty of 14 Waterfalls Worldwide
Admire the beauty and power of 14 picturesque waterfalls from every corner of the planet
This Animal Is the Best Mimic in the World...
How intelligent and clever IS this animal??