As far as we know, our planet is one of the most diverse places in the universe. Scientists have estimated that there are around 8.7 million species of plants and animals in existence. And some of these animals managed to find a spot in our hearts forever by being our companions. Today, we are listing some interesting yet happy facts about different animals that are sure to make your day a little brighter.
1. When a baby elephant is born, other mothers in the social group will trumpet to celebrate or announce the baby’s arrival.
While elephants tend to stay in close “family” groups for their whole lives, some male elephants do leave the group to find new mates or sometimes group up with other solitary males. The female elephant community however, is social and supportive of its members. When a baby elephant is born, all of the females in the group trumpet the news and announce the new arrival. The females in the herd also tend to look after the calves and help new mothers.
2. Dogs can tell when you’re due to come home by how much of your scent is remaining in the house.
Have you ever wondered how your dog accurately times your arrival? It’s like they know you will be home any minute and would be peeking out the window or waiting right next to the door. Scientists figured out that this has to do with our scent. Dogs have an extremely heightened sense of smell, which allows them to detect even minute changes. With this ability, they can smell how much your scent has deteriorated in your absence.
3. There are tiny little harvest mice that sometimes sleep inside flowers.
While tulips can look fragile, the colorful flowers have enough strength to support these tiny, 2-3 inch guests. The super-cute critters can be seen sleeping inside the tulips and often poking their heads out and revealing their pollen-covered noses.
4. Hundreds of trees if not more become seedlings every year because of squirrels who forget where they buried their food.
According to Rob Swihart, a professor of wildlife science at Purdue University, squirrels bury their food (nuts, acorns, etc.) all over the place but often forget to dig them back up.
5. Baby elephants can’t control their trunks for the first year of their lives.
Much like human babies, baby elephants lack motor skills, which means that they have no control of their trunks. So, complex tasks such as drinking water or picking something up using their trunks can be extremely difficult but often results in them often flopping their trunks around.
6. Your dog probably dreams about you.
As humans, we dream about the things we are interested in, but more visually and less logically. Scientists say that there’s no reason to think animals are any different. Since dogs are generally extremely attached to their human owners, it’s likely your dog is dreaming of your face, your smell and of going on walks with you.
7. Cows have “best friends” and are happier when they’re with them.
Recent research from the University of Northampton has highlighted the human-like relationships among cattle. The research found that the cattle have selective friendships and are significantly happier when they are hanging out with their mates. The study also found that the cows experience less stress when they hang out with their friends. There is also evidence that suggests herd separation can bring on stress, observed by increased vocalization, physical struggling, and raised heart rates.
8. Your dog actually loves you and it’s not just because you give them food, play with them and go for walks.
Scientists measured oxytocin levels, heart rates, and other biometrics to conclude that dogs love their human companions not just because of the food and walks. From the study, scientists found that when you pet your dog, both of you produce more of the same hormone in your brain that makes you fall in love with people.
9. Bees make a “whoop!” sound when they bump into each other or are startled.
Whoop whoop! That’s the sound of the bees, when they bump into each other. The vibrational pulse produced by honeybees, is thought to be an expression of surprise. Bees produce these vibrations with the help of their wing muscles and they are inaudible to humans but can be detected by accelerometers embedded in the honeycomb.
10. Goats and cows have accents.
Similar to humans, cows tend to moo depending on the region they live in. While the same goes for goats, they also have the ability to adopt a new “accent” if they hang out with new goats for a while.