There are many animals that society has labeled as...

There are many animals that society has labeled as “stupid” or “pests” when they are anything but. Rats, pigeons, squirrels, and crows are four of the top ten smartest animals. So why are they known as disease agents rather than little geniuses?

1⃣ Rats have very developed senses of hearing, smell, touch—through their long whiskers—and taste. Although they have a reputation of carrying diseases, they’re less likely than dogs or cats to transmit parasites and viruses. They’re actually quite clean, spending several hours every day grooming themselves and each other. They are very social and affectionate animals, and love being in the company of their own species or humans. They take care of the injured and sick rats in their group. Because they’re so smart—they can find shortcuts, loopholes and escape routes in laboratory experiments—rats are widely used—and abused—in research.

2⃣ Pigeons can identify themselves in a mirror, be taught to perform a sequence of movements and discriminate subtle differences between two objects can recognize hundreds of images even after several years have passed— not bad for a “pest”

3⃣ Most squirrels display an impressive array of tricks and strategies that help them survive. They’ve adapted to living alongside humans, eating out of bird-feeders, flower gardens and whatever food might be lying around. They are also able to store food for leaner times, and then find their hidden morsels many months later. They may also pretend to hide food in order to confuse potential thieves, which researchers believe shows an advanced level of cunning and intellect.

4⃣ Crows living in urban areas are known to gather nuts from trees and then place them in the street for passing cars to crack open the shells. Then, after waiting patiently for the light to change, they return to the street to retrieve their nutty snack. Crows also communicate in elaborate population-specific dialects and play games and tricks on one another.

Smart little guys aren’t they? Speciesism sucks #vegansofig

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