Weird Animal Behaviors Finally Make Sense – Kind Of

Why do some animals do certain things? Can you explain some animal behaviors and what they mean? Here are some theories and observations.
Animals do things much differently from people. Some of the activities they express have to do with survival instincts, while others are related to feeding offspring and taking care of their homes. Regardless, some animal behaviors have us flummoxed about what they are doing and why. Let’s see if we can figure out what animals are trying to do and why.

Why do cats knead like they’re making bread?

We know that cats like to sharpen their claws, but this is a different action from the bread kneading they do throughout their lives. Although nobody had definitively figured out why cats do this, there are several theories. Some experts think this is an instinctual kitten behavior to stimulate milk flow in the mother cat, while others think cats do this to mark their territory. Still, a third theory about this behavior is that it is out of contentment, much like people might enjoy meditation.

Why are birds dancing in traffic lanes?

When you observe predatory birds eating a carcass in the middle of the road, the behavior is pretty easy to understand. One of the strangest animal behaviors is when pigeons and crows walk into traffic and then run back. This tends to happen in pairs and its an unexplained activity. A likely reason for this is the change in thermal temperatures or to catch insects that are stirred up by passing cars. Still, these birds could simply be engaged in a weird game of “chicken.”

Why are capybaras so calm with other animals?

Capybaras are well-known to be extremely social creatures with low aggression towards other animals. They tend to move in herds and groom each other, but they are also extremely calm with other species. They are known for allowing monkeys to ride on them, spending time with ducks, cats, and even crocodiles. These mammals seem to be very happy and relaxed, which makes for a welcome friend among most other animals.

Why do octopuses throw shells at each other?

It might seem like some form of angry behavior, and maybe it is. If someone threw shells and rocks at you, you might get upset, but octopuses are known for doing this. Among animal behaviors, this might make these eight-legged creatures seem like jerks, but there might be some reasons behind this activity. Some experts think this signals territorial behavior or social annoyance. This isn’t the only strange behavior of these creatures, but it sure could be entertaining to watch them toss debris at each other underwater.

Why do goats climb trees in Morocco?

This behavior has more to do with the environment and less to do with how goats normally act. In order to reach the fruit of the Argan trees, goats in Morocco will balance in the trees. This activity is encouraged because the oil produced from these trees is traditionally extracted from goat-digested nuts. This is not the only product that humans use that first passes through an animal, but it’s interesting that goats must balance in the trees to get to the fruit.

Why do crows bring gifts to humans?

This isn’t a regular behavior, but crows have been known to bring small and strange trinkets to people. This is one of those animal behaviors that seems to be pretty easy to explain. Despite most people thinking that animals don’t have or express feelings, crows do, and this is their way of showing gratitude. When people feed crows regularly, these birds are known to remember faces and bring small items they collect to the humans as a form of gratitude.

Why do penguins steal pebbles from each other?

Penguins are some of the most unique birds on the planet. They swim extremely well but have trouble walking and can’t fly. They live in cold climates, unlike most birds who try to avoid the cold. Male Adelie penguins are known to steal pebbles from their neighbors. These pebbles are used to build nests of their own. This is pretty easy to understand; a better next means more mates for the make penguins. It’s a real estate venture in penguin form.

Why do army ants walk in circles until they die?

Those who have observed army ants and their activities know there’s a hierarchy to their activities. There are leaders and then there are followers. If no leader corrects the colony from walking around in circles, the ants can do this until they die. They have no direction, and when pheromone trails loop without a leader to correct their direction, these ants will walk around in circles that have become known as “death spirals” and will eventually die.

Why do some parrots swear?

Many humans might be offended by parrots that swear, but the reactions they get from saying swear words can be the reward these birds want when talking. Parrots don’t understand the words they are saying; they only know they say something, and then people react. The only way a parrot learns to swear is if a human teaches it to do so.

Why do dogs tilt their heads when you talk to them?

It’s one of the cutest animal behaviors that we experience every day; dogs tilting their heads. It almost seems like the dog can actually understand what you’re saying, but there are some theories as to why dogs do this. These theories include improving ear alignment, visual recognition of your face, or a learned behavior because you typically respond gently to them by tilting their heads.
What animal behaviors have you experienced that you’d like to understand better?