The Truth Behind The Animal Myths

Animal myths and misconceptions have been a part of human society for generations.

(Photo : Getty Images/HAZEM BADER)

These animal myths are often a result of a lack of scientific understanding and can be passed down through storytelling and folklore.

Popular Myths

MYTH NO. 1: Birds will abandon fallen nestlings touched by humans

Except for vultures, birds have a weak sense of smell. The superstition continues, however, that if you return a fallen baby bird to its nest, the parents will reject it due to your scent.

Bird parents do not distinguish their young by scent.

If you find a baby bird on the ground with few or no feathers, you can either restore it in the nest or contact a qualified wildlife rehabilitator.

Experts suggested that if you come across a newborn bird or any other animal infant, the best thing to do is leave it alone. Most of the time, the parents are nearby and may be waiting for you to depart.

Touching animals can potentially result in the transmission of diseases from wildlife to humans, or vice versa.

MYTH NO. 2: Rhinos stamp out fires

The rhinoceros were thought to be drawn to campfires and would rush over to extinguish and "devour" them.

These myths were carried back from Asia by European explorers with no scientific evidence to back them up.

Over time, the public became confused about the continents and rhino species, and the alleged fire-eating Asian rhinos became the fire-trampling African rhinos shown in movies and television.

Like any other animal, rhinos have an inherent antipathy to fire and are far more likely to flee than to rush in and put out a fire.

MYTH NO. 3: Sharks can detect a drop of blood from miles away

Sharks have a keen sense of smell. Shark nostrils are lined with specialized cells capable of detecting trace levels of various chemicals.

According to legend, some sharks' "noses" are so sensitive that they can detect a drop of blood from miles away or a drop in the size of an Olympic-sized swimming pool.

Sharks have nearly the same sensitivity as other fish and can detect scents at one part per 25 million to one part per 10 billion, depending on the chemical and shark type.

When you smell anything in the air, it's because scent molecules have dissolved into your nose's wet lining. Smelling underwater is the same, except the molecules are already dissolved in the seawater.

MYTH NO. 4: Ostriches stick their heads in the sand

The ostrich is the world's largest bird, standing nine feet tall and weighing over 250 pounds.

According to myth, a scared ostrich will bury its head in the sand to make itself "invisible" to predators.

When an ostrich detects danger and is unable to flee, it will flop to the ground and remain motionless, seeking to blend in with the landscape.

However, an ostrich may appear to have its head in the sand from time to time, but not because it is afraid.

Ostriches make shallow sand nests by digging tiny holes in the sand. The ostrich will turn the eggs in the nest with its beak multiple times every day, giving the impression that it is burying its head in the sand.

MYTH NO. 5: Giraffes sleep only 30 minutes a day

A popular belief says giraffes never sleep or sleep for only half an hour per day, but in reality, an average giraffe sleeps for 4.6 hours per day.

Giraffes spend the majority of their time sleeping at night, though they do take short naps throughout the day.

Giraffes may sleep both standing and lying down, and their sleep cycles are rather short, lasting 35 minutes or less.

MYTH NO. 6: "Blind as a bat"

While their unusual flight manner may have given rise to this misconception, the truth is that all bats can see. Although most bats cannot see colors as well as other animals, they have excellent night vision, ultra-sensitive ears, and echolocation.

Bats' nocturnal habit and superior hearing abilities contribute to the widespread belief that they are blind.

Bats rely on echolocation to locate specific locations of prey because they hunt largely at night, when illumination conditions are exceedingly dark.

MYTH NO. 7: Camels store water in their humps

The hump of a camel does not hold water; instead, it stores fat. When food is scarce, the camel will eat it. When a camel consumes the fat within the hump, the hump becomes limp and droops down.

Although the hump is not utilized for water storage, camels can go for long periods without water. They drink a lot of water, sometimes up to 20 gallons at a time.

This water is kept in the bloodstream of the animal.

Misconceptions, Popular Culture

These animal myths and misconceptions show how folklore, popular culture, and a lack of scientific knowledge may all contribute to widespread misunderstandings of the natural world.

To better comprehend and appreciate the animal kingdom, it is critical to rely on correct knowledge and scientific study.