Articles for category: Animal Behavior, Human–Animal Dynamics

A Highland cow

Scotland’s Highland Cows Are Just Hairy Tanks With Attitude

Thick fog rolls across the Scottish hills, and suddenly, a set of wide, curved horns appears—followed by a shaggy, ginger mane and an unblinking stare that radiates ancient wisdom and a touch of mischief. Meet the Highland cow, or “Heilan coo” in Scots: a beast so iconic it almost feels mythical. Famous for their long, ...

Unpredictable Behavior: Why Moose Can Be Dangerous

Norway’s Moose Keep Eating Fermented Apples and Starting Drunken Rampages

Trizzy Orozco

Norway’s tranquil forests are home to one of the most surprising natural spectacles you’ll ever hear about. Imagine wandering through a snowy Scandinavian village, only to find a massive moose weaving unsteadily between the apple trees, eyes glazed and legs trembling. It sounds like a scene from a wild folk tale, but it’s happening right ...

Pigs on brown wooden fence during daytime

What It Means to Be a Compassionate Consumer and Ethical Choices in Animal Products

In an era where consumer choices are increasingly scrutinized for their ethical implications, the term “compassionate consumerism” has become prominent. This concept encourages individuals to make purchasing decisions that reflect their values, particularly concerning animal welfare. With the growing global awareness of animal rights issues, it is essential to understand what it means to be ...

Person holding a black rat.

The Challenge of Balancing Human Interests with Animal Welfare

Trizzy Orozco

The challenge of balancing human interests with animal welfare is an intricate issue that cuts across ethical, social, and economic spheres. As societies evolve, the debate over how to reconcile our needs with those of animals becomes increasingly pressing. From agricultural practices to scientific research and pet ownership, maintaining this balance requires a complex interplay ...

Cannibal Chimpanzees

Cannibal Chimpanzees: What Happens When Hierarchies Collapse

Imagine a forest where order suddenly shatters—dominant chimpanzees dethroned, alliances crumbling, and chaos spreading like wildfire. In the heart of these upheavals, something truly shocking emerges: cannibalism. Far from the peaceful, playful image many hold of our closest animal relatives, chimpanzees reveal a raw, unsettling side when their social worlds collapse. Why do these intelligent ...

Three lions resting in their natural habitat in Bo-Karoo, South Africa.

What Wild Animals Teach Us About the Spread of Infectious Diseases

Annette Uy

Wild animals are vital to maintaining ecological balance and provide crucial insights into infectious diseases. By studying wildlife, scientists gain an understanding of how diseases originate, spread, and affect human populations. While some species act as reservoirs for zoonotic diseases, they also offer invaluable information for preventing and managing outbreaks, highlighting the interconnectedness of ecosystems ...