Fact or Fiction: Debunking Myths About Mammals (Part 2)

In reality, newborn puppies cannot bark — in the first days, they only growl and whine. True barking appears only on the 15th–20th day of life. Moreover, dogs that become feral after living with humans eventually lose this habit.

So why do dogs bark? It was previously believed they do this exclusively to communicate with humans. However, barking is a response to stress. In moments of danger, instincts urge the dog to run away, but its attachment to the owner makes it stay. Barking becomes a way to deal with this inner conflict.

Thus, barking is not just a sound but an expression of a dog's emotions and attachment to humans.

At first glance, bears appear awkward and clumsy, but this impression is misleading. Their massive body and calm gait conceal incredible physical abilities that can surprise even seasoned observers.

A bear can reach speeds of up to 50 km/h — faster than many horses over short distances. These animals easily climb trees, stand confidently, and move on their hind legs. In water, bears prove to be true masters: polar bears, for instance, can swim tens of kilometers without stopping.

Don’t forget their combat skills. In the wild, bears often emerge victorious in battles with agile and fast predators like tigers. So, contrary to stereotypes, a bear is not only strong but also remarkably agile.

Find more fascinating facts about bears in our article ☛

Hares are often associated with cowardice, but in reality, these animals can put up a fierce fight against even the most formidable predators. When a predator catches up with a hare and escape is impossible, the rodent falls on its back, extends its claws, and fiercely kicks the attacker. It may also use its teeth — and while it lacks fangs, its incisors are still effective.

For instance, if an owl or eagle attacks a hare, it defends itself with its hind claws while lying on its back. Hunters have often seen hares disembowel predators this way.

Interestingly, contrary to popular belief, hares don’t only eat cabbage. They happily consume meat. In northern regions, ptarmigan trappers know well: leave the catch in the trap too long, and hares will quickly eat it.

The widespread belief that monkeys spend hours searching for fleas in each other's fur is not entirely accurate. These animals do spend a lot of time grooming each other, but their goal is far more intriguing and unexpected.

When monkeys gather in a circle and carefully groom each other's fur, they are not just looking for insects but primarily for... salt. As sweat dries on the skin and fur, tiny salt crystals remain, which monkeys collect and eagerly eat. For them, it’s a delicacy rich in minerals.

Additionally, this grooming ritual has important social significance. It not only helps maintain cleanliness but also strengthens bonds within the group. Monkeys demonstrate care, trust, and reinforce hierarchical relationships, making the activity beneficial for both health and social harmony.

Find more interesting facts about monkeys in our article ☛

In the dark, animal eyes often seem mysteriously glowing, but they do not emit light. The “glow” effect results from light reflecting off a special layer in the eyes called the tapetum. This natural “mirror” behind the retina enhances visibility in low-light conditions, helping animals navigate in the dark.

To test this effect, place a cat in a completely dark room — without external light, its eyes will not “glow.” This phenomenon only occurs when a light source reflects off the tapetum.

Interestingly, the color of the “glow” varies among animals. Cats' eyes usually appear green or yellow-green, some fish have a milky white glow, and shrimp and crayfish eyes shimmer with red-purple hues. This color range depends on the pigments present in the tapetum.

So, “glowing” eyes are not magic or a unique trait of predators but a brilliant natural adaptation that makes their vision incredibly effective even in total darkness.

Although elephants are often considered the epitome of calmness, this is far from true. These majestic animals are extremely emotional and skittish. Elephants are highly cautious about new things — loud noises, unfamiliar objects, or sudden movements can frighten them into a panic. This reaction is due to their highly developed nervous system and natural wariness.

Interestingly, elephants are not only capable of strong emotions but sometimes throw real "parties." They gather sweet fruits in a pile and leave them for a while to ferment. The resulting "brew" is a favorite treat for elephants. After such a "celebration," they may wander through the forest noisily expressing their emotions and startling other jungle inhabitants with their boisterous behavior.

Find more fascinating facts about elephants in our article ☛

Many believe that moles are completely blind, but this is not entirely true. Although their eyes are indeed small and underdeveloped — lacking lenses and retinas — moles can see. Their vision is far from perfect but sufficient to detect threats or navigate unfamiliar environments.

Moles spend most of their time underground, where vision is almost unnecessary. However, when they occasionally come to the surface, their eyes play a critical role. A mole can spot an approaching enemy near its burrow and take measures to defend itself. Despite their modest size and weak eyesight, moles are capable of fighting back and defending their territory.

Interestingly, a mole’s vision is adapted to detect light and darkness rather than details. This helps them not only recognize changes in lighting but possibly navigate their intricate underground tunnel systems.

Find more fascinating facts about moles in our article ☛

At first glance, a camel indeed appears to be a creature of curves: its long legs are slightly bent, its neck gracefully arched, and its tail resembles a squiggle. But what seems obvious — its hump — is not quite what it appears to be.

A camel’s hump is not a curved bone or spinal deformation but a unique adaptation. Essentially, it is a fat reservoir sitting atop a straight spine, as perfectly aligned as a horse’s. These fat stores help camels survive in desert conditions where food and water may be scarce for long periods. When resources are scarce, their body converts the fat in the hump into energy and even water.

Interestingly, a well-fed camel’s humps stand tall and proud, while in times of starvation, they may "sag," becoming less prominent. Thus, what we consider the camel’s hump is not just a physical feature but a vital survival tool in harsh desert environments.

Find more fascinating facts about camels in our article ☛

Marmots are often called the “ultimate sleepers” of the animal kingdom because these furry creatures can spend up to nine months of the year sleeping! This extended hibernation allows them to survive harsh winters by conserving energy and relying on minimal resources. However, despite their impressive record, marmots are not the champions of sleep duration.

Nature has even more extraordinary “sleepers.” For instance, some snakes and frogs can enter deep hibernation for up to three years. These survival experts essentially “shut down”: their breathing slows to a minimum, and their bodies become so motionless they appear dead. This sleep is not just rest but an effective survival strategy in extreme conditions where food or water is scarce.

Thus, while marmots may not hold the record for the longest sleep, they remain one of nature’s most charming and well-known “sleepers,” with habits that exemplify incredible adaptation to challenging living conditions.

Find more fascinating facts about marmots in our article ☛

Elephants are often associated with power and brute force, and their skin seems like an impenetrable armor. In reality, an elephant’s skin is indeed thick — averaging about 2.5 cm — but behind this massive exterior lies surprising sensitivity. Elephant skin is soft, prone to injury, and so delicate that a trace can be left on it simply by running a fingernail over it.

However, elephant skin is not the thickest among animals. For example, hippopotamus skin is about 4 cm thick, and rhinoceros skin can reach up to 5 cm, providing extra protection in the harsh wilderness. But the real champion in skin thickness is the sperm whale. The skin of this marine giant can reach an astounding 35 cm, making it virtually impervious to many external impacts.

Thus, while elephant skin deserves respect for its strength, it impresses more with its sensitivity and unique texture. Elephants are true giants with gentle souls and skin that requires care and protection.

It is believed that only humans can recognize themselves in mirrors, but this is a myth. In fact, several animals possess this remarkable ability, indicating a high level of self-awareness. For example, higher primates — chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutans — can easily identify their reflection.

Scientists use the "mirror test" to check this. The method is simple: an odorless mark is applied to an animal's body while it is asleep, in a spot visible only in a mirror. If, upon waking, the animal looks in the mirror, examines the mark, or tries to touch it, it shows that the animal recognizes itself. Interestingly, human children usually start passing this test at around 18 months of age.

But primates aren’t the only ones on this list. Self-recognition has also been observed in bottlenose dolphins, orcas, elephants, magpies, ravens, and even giant manta rays — the first fish to pass the mirror test. Insects like ants are particularly surprising, as they are the only insects known to possess this skill. While pigs don’t pass the test in a traditional sense, they can use mirrors to locate food.

These experiments demonstrate that the animal world is far more intelligent and complex than we often assume. Who knows what other amazing abilities are hidden behind their seemingly simple appearances?