Who would have thought that something as harmful as a cigarette butt could have a beneficial use? It turns out that birds are smarter than we think. They've discovered a clever way to protect their nests from pesky parasites. The nicotine and other chemicals found in cigarette filters act as a natural pesticide, keeping unwanted critters at bay. By incorporating … [Read more...] about Bird Brains: A Surprising Use for Cigarette Butts
butts
Why do dogs sniff each other’s butts?
When two dogs cross paths or cats come together in a multicat household, one peculiar behavior often takes center stage: the immediate inclination to sniff each other's rear ends. But what drives this seemingly odd behavior? Surprisingly, there's more to it than meets the eye. According to Ellen Furlong, an associate professor of psychology specializing in animal cognition … [Read more...] about Why do dogs sniff each other’s butts?
Birds Use Cigarette Butts for Chemical Warfare Against Ticks
It may come as a surprise to learn that birds have been observed lining their nests with cigarette butts. While many people view discarded cigarette butts as an unsightly litter problem, birds seem to have found a practical use for them. Researchers at the National Autonomous University of Mexico have been studying the behavior of urban house finches, a species that has … [Read more...] about Birds Use Cigarette Butts for Chemical Warfare Against Ticks
Bears in Alaska Surprisingly Trail Meter-Long Tapeworms From Their Butts
Bigger bodies have more inside space, and it appears that Alaskan bears' advanced stature gives their bodies ideal locations for some really massive tapeworms. You could wonder, "How do we know this? ". Unfortunately, it's not even that unusual, so trail cameras and wildlife photographers have captured plenty of images. Director of science communications for The Nature … [Read more...] about Bears in Alaska Surprisingly Trail Meter-Long Tapeworms From Their Butts