14 Weird Animal Behaviors Scientists Still Can’t Explain
Some animal behaviors remain unexplained, even after years of scientific research.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 5 min read
Animals exhibit a wide range of behaviors that help them survive, reproduce, or communicate. However, not every action fits into a clear explanation. Some behaviors continue to puzzle researchers, despite being observed in the wild or in labs for decades.
1. Dolphins Passing Around Pufferfish
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Some dolphin groups have been seen gently passing pufferfish between them. The fish puff up defensively, releasing a toxin in the process. Researchers think the dolphins may be experiencing a narcotic effect, but no clear purpose for the behavior has been confirmed. It’s unclear if it’s play, a social ritual, or something else entirely.
2. Birds Flying in Circles Before Migration
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Certain migratory birds circle in large flocks for long periods before flying off on their journey. These group formations can be highly synchronized and seem unrelated to navigation or weather. Scientists suspect it could be a social behavior or a way to strengthen group cohesion. However, there is no clear, consistent explanation across species.
3. Cats Bringing Dead Animals to Humans
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Many domestic cats kill small animals and bring them to their owners. Some researchers suggest it’s a form of social bonding or teaching behavior, especially in females. Others think it might be a food-sharing instinct. However, there is no agreement on why it happens so often in homes.
4. Whale Strandings in Groups
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Mass whale strandings happen regularly in various parts of the world. These events often involve healthy individuals and multiple species. Some theories point to navigation errors, social cohesion, or interference from human-made sonar. However, scientists have not identified a single cause that explains all cases.
5. Octopuses Throwing Objects at Each Other
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In some areas, octopuses have been recorded collecting debris and throwing it at other octopuses. The action seems deliberate, with objects aimed toward other individuals. This could be a form of social interaction, aggression, or territory defense. However, researchers still debate the intent and meaning.
6. Cows Lining Up with Magnetic Fields
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Satellite images have shown cows and deer often align their bodies along Earth’s magnetic field. This happens across continents and in various weather conditions. Scientists believe it may be linked to magnetoreception, but the function of this alignment remains unknown. There is no evidence that it serves a survival purpose.
7. Elephants Mourning the Dead
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Elephants often return to the bones or bodies of dead herd members and touch them with their trunks. They show unusual behavior around these sites, including silence and slow movement. Researchers suspect some form of grief or memory may be involved. However, how elephants perceive death is still not well understood.
8. Bees Dancing in Patterns
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The waggle dance of honeybees communicates direction and distance to food sources. However, in some cases, bees perform the dance without any clear destination or result. These dances are accurate in form but don’t lead others to food. Scientists don’t fully understand why these “false” dances occur.
9. Dogs Circling Before Lying Down
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Dogs often circle their sleeping area before lying down, even indoors on flat surfaces. Some believe it’s a leftover instinct from wild ancestors that flattened grass or checked for threats. However, the behavior appears even in dogs raised entirely in domestic settings. No single explanation covers all breeds or situations.
10. Sharks Biting Metal Objects
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Sharks have been known to bite underwater cables, boats, and other metal items. It’s been suggested that they react to electrical signals or confuse objects for prey. However, many of these bites happen without an apparent cause. The motivation remains uncertain across different species.
11. Prairie Dogs “Kissing” Each Other
Asiir on Wikimedia Commons
Prairie dogs regularly touch their front teeth together in what looks like a greeting. This action is called a “kiss,” but may serve multiple purposes. Some researchers think it helps confirm social bonds, while others believe it’s for scent recognition. The full function is not yet confirmed.
12. Ravens Playing with Wolves
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In the wild, ravens have been seen playing with wolves, including pulling on their tails. This behavior is consistent and not aggressive. Scientists have no firm explanation, though some believe it may strengthen cooperative hunting relationships. However, the exact purpose of the interaction is unclear.
13. Sloths Descending to the Ground to Poop
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Sloths live in trees but come down to the ground to defecate, a risky behavior that exposes them to predators. They do this only once a week and spend a lot of energy doing so. Some researchers suggest it helps fertilize the trees or signal mates, but none of these theories fully explain the risk.
14. Parrots Dancing to Music
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Some parrots move rhythmically to music, adjusting their movements to the beat. This behavior has been observed across multiple individuals and songs. Researchers believe it may be linked to their vocal learning abilities, but dancing in animals is still not fully understood. The reason parrots respond to rhythm remains unclear.