There are a lot of myths about certain animals out there, and so many that we’ve adopted some common sayings based on those myths. Such as “blind as bat.” Here are some common myths about animals, some of which have some truth behind them, and some of which do not.
You Can’t Teach an Old Dog New Tricks
People like to use this saying when talking about stubborn people who refuse to change their ways, but when it comes to dogs it’s not actually true. Even the most stubborn dog can be taught new behaviors with some focused time each day on doing so. Even when they are older in their years.
Blind as a Bat
Bats use sonar to get around in the dark which has led many to believe that they don’t use their eyes at all, but they do. They might be small but they still work. Their other senses are particularly good, so they’ve pretty much got everything covered.
An Elephant Never Forgets
People say that an elephant never forgets, which might be true. Elephants have the largest brain of the land mammals, and all that brain mass means they’re pretty smart. Elephants can recognize each other after many years of separation, and they never forget where they came from even if they are one of the pack to break off and form their own contingent. Elephants also remember details about their entire home range, which can be the size of Rhode Island. Imagine trying to remember a map of your state.
That Crocodiles Cry
The term crocodile tears is often used for tears that come off as insincere or put on. This is because crocodiles really do cry when they eat their prey, but it’s only because their tear ducts are near their throats. Since they can’t chew their food they end up swallowing chunks whole which kicks their tear ducts into action and wetting their eyes. They might be crying but we know those crocodiles aren’t sad about lunch.
Groundhogs Can Predict Spring
The tradition of Groundhog Day involves bringing a groundhog out to determine when spring will arrive based on its shadow. If it sees its shadow, there are six more weeks of winter, and if not spring is, well, springing. There is actually a bit of truth to this one, since groundhogs do hibernate for six months over the winter. When they come out they take into account the changes in light in temperature to decide if they’re ready to stay out or head back in the hole.
Following Like a Lemming
Sometimes followers are referred to as lemmings. This comes from the fact that lemmings tend to migrate in large groups. Some myths about them are that they commit suicide together, although that’s not exactly true. What does happen is that they migrate in large groups and sometimes things don’t go well, like that they drown on the way. Every three to four years the population of lemmings almost goes extinct because of it, but then they bounce back.