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.
|
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.
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?
No Matter the Species, Mothers Are the Best!
Great Moms All Over the Animal Kingdom
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
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"?
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...
You Won't Believe the Equine Wonder in These Horse Photos
Wiebke Haas captures some of the world's most beautiful horses strutting their proud stuff in this superb collection of equine majesty.
Nature Is Full of Mystery When You Look at These Photos
Take a look at these amazing photos of nature which depict so much mystery.
You've Probably Never Seen Trees Like These Before...
Trees are our life-source. They give off the oxygen that we need to breathe, but they also make the world a beautiful place. Here are some gorgeous photographs of the world's most spectacular trees.
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!
Click to Transform Caterpillars Into Moths and Butterflies!
Both butterflies and moths have four stages of life, they go from the initial egg to a caterpillar, then to a cocoon and finally to a butterfly or moth. Watch these 18 interactive photos Before and After caterpillars transform.
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.
If You Want to See Some Breathtaking Beauty, Come In Here...
Check out the astonishing winning panoramic images from the 2023 EPSON International Pano Awards.
Imagine Sharing Living Space with These Watery Weirdos!
The ocean is an even greater unknown than outer space, and some of the life forms you find in it are incredibly bizarre. Take a look at these odd sea creatures.
7 Fascinating Natural Phenomena Science Can’t Explain
From the Great Blue Hole in Belize to the Sailing Stones in CA, this video will introduce you to 7 natural phenomena science isn't fully able to explain.
In Pictures: Bird Photographer of the Year 2023 Winners
Check out the stunning winners of the 2023 Bird Photographer of the Year contest.
Hummingbirds Come in the Most Beautiful Rainbow Colors!
There are hundreds of gorgeous species of hummingbirds. Have you spotted any of these near you?
Witness the Magical Views of Norway's Northern Islands
The amazing place you are about to see in this video is Svalbard - an archipelago that is in the northernmost part of the entire kingdom of Norway.
This Post Will Clear Up Any Misconceptions About Dogs
There are numerous misconceptions concerning the best ways that we should interact with dogs. This post will definitely clear everything up.
True Friendship Survives Beyond Time - Beautiful!
Gorilla Reunites With Carer 5 Years Later...
10 Horses That'll Astound You With Their Beauty
Man and horse have had a natural companionship for centuries. Here are 10 of the world's most beautiful horses.
The Beautiful Animals You'll See When On Safari...
If you want the best safari experience, Africa is where you should go, especially if you want to see the big five wild animal groups: the lion, the leopard, the elephant, the rhino and the buffalo.
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.
This Is How Mother Birds Care for Their Sweet Chicks
Motherhood is a wonderful thing. It binds not only humans together, but birds too. These photos are simply amazing.
These Siamese Fighting Fish Look Like Rainbows
If you thought you knew all about fish, this colorful Siamese Fighting Fish will make you think twice, and look admiringly. I'm in love with these beauties!
15 Magical Animal Moments That’ll Make You Smile All Day!
Animals sometimes take on the role of "models" and provide photographers with the opportunity to capture wonderful moments of magic that simply warm our hearts.
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.
These Cute Bat Photos Will Change Your Perception of Them!
These adorable photos of bats will change your perception of them forever!
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.
8 Animals That Hibernate During Winter
We have all heard how bears hibernate during the winters. Here are 8 more animals that protect themselves from the cold by hibernating.
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.
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.
Here Are 12 of the Strangest Lakes on the Planet
We present to you 12 of the strangest lakes on our planet.
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!
Answered in Less Than 5 Minutes - How Sinkholes Form
Many sinkholes appear due to construction and mining works. So how do they form? Should you be concerned?
15 Flowers that Smell So Good, Your Garden Must Have Them
Your ultimate guide to selecting flowers, plants and herbs for an aromatic outdoor space.
Witness the Raw Beauty of Nature in These Incredible Pics
Check out some of the best winning images from the 2020 Nature Photographer of the Year contest.
Just How Clever Are Wild Parrots? See For Yourself!
Just how clever a wild cockatoo parrots? This man created a puzzle with seeds in it to see if they could solve it, and here's the footage...
Say Hello to the Tiniest Bird You'll Ever See!
How small is the tiniest bird ever recorded? Watch this video and find out!
These Magnificent Cherry Blossoms Will Take Your Breath Away
Cherry blossoms are beautiful flowers associated with Japan and springtime. Discover the other parts of the world lined with these exquisite flowering cherry trees.
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 Most Frightening and Bizarre Creatures of the Ocean
Terrifying and alien creatures of the dark depths of the ocean
These Are Definitely the Oddest Couples I Could Imagine...
These strange couples destroy all my previous notions about animal relationships.
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!
Let These Animal Quotes Be Your Source of Inspiration
Animals are inspirational to many of us in this world, and the same can be said for some of its greatest names. Here are 12 truly great animal quotes.