Some animals demonstrate incredible ingenuity to scientists when hunting. They don’t bother chasing their prey — instead, they build clever traps, use environmental features, and employ very unexpected strategies. For example, there are spiders in the world that catch fireflies and make them emit light signals that attract the attention of other individuals. In this way, they lure more victims into their webs. Here are a few more examples of how animals hunt not by force, but by intelligence.
Foxes aren't the only animals that are cunning – there are plenty of other clever animals! Image source: Reddit
Contents
- 1 How Spiders Hunt
- 2 How Crocodiles Hunt
- 3 How Whales Hunt
- 4 How Ants Hunt
- 5 How Snakes Hunt
- 6 How Wild Cats Hunt
- 7 How Turtles Hunt
How Spiders Hunt
In China, there are orb weaver spiders of the species Araneus ventricosus that have found an unusual way to attract prey – they use fireflies. During the mating season, male fireflies emit multiple light signals to attract females. The females respond with short flashes, inviting the males to come to them.
A weaver spider lures in its prey. Image Credit: Live Science
Cunning spiders use this process to their advantage. They catch male fireflies and inject them with venom, causing them to emit signals similar to those of females. These flashes attract other males, who fall right into the spiders' webs, becoming their next prey.
How Crocodiles Hunt
Crocodiles and alligators not only have enormous strength, but also demonstrate extraordinary skill in hunting. Researchers from Louisiana have noticed an unusual way in which Mississippi alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) lure birds.
To attract the attention of birds, they use sticks. Alligators place branches on their faces and freeze in the water, patiently waiting for birds that are collecting material for nests to fly closer.
A crocodile uses bait to catch birds. Image Credit: Live Science
This strategy is particularly effective in areas where the birds are actively nesting, and has only been observed during the nesting season between March and May each year. Once the bird flies up to the branch, the alligator will immediately pounce to capture its prey.
How Whales Hunt
Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) have developed a truly unique hunting method called the “bubble net”. These giants don’t just chase fish, they’re masters of using a cunning trap.
The “bubble net” of humpback whales. Image source: Science Alert
Whales swim under schools of fish, circling and creating bubbles that act like an invisible net, squeezing the fish into a tight group, preventing them from dispersing. Once the fish are trapped, the whales lift them closer to the surface, open their mouths wide, and swallow a huge amount of prey at one time. This hunting method is passed down through groups of whales and may vary slightly depending on the population.
More details: How do whales hunt fish with traps?
How do ants hunt
Wood ants of the Azteca brevis species, which live in the tropical forests of Central America, display amazing teamwork cunning when hunting. These amazing insects build their nests on tree stems and then make small holes in them, in which hide with their jaws open.
Ants hide in tree stems. Image Credit: Live Science
When unsuspecting insects walk along the stem, the ants quickly grab them by the legs and immobilize them. Then they begin cutting up their prey into small pieces to drag back to their nest.
This tactic allows the ants to catch insects without leaving their hiding place, making their hunt as efficient as possible.
How Snakes Hunt
Spider-tailed vipers (Pseudocerastes urarachnoides) live in Western Asia and use amazing camouflage to catch their prey. At the end of their tail is a scaly thickening that creates the illusion of a spider's body.
A snake with a tail that looks like a spider. Image source: Science Alert
This “spider bait” attracts the attention of lizards, rodents, and even birds, which see it as easy prey. Once the victim focuses on the “spider”, the snake suddenly attacks, leaving no chance for escape.
How Wild Cats Hunt
Margays (Leopardus wiedii), small long-tailed cats, also display amazing cunning when hunting their prey. They emit sounds that resemble the cries of baby monkeyspied tamarin (Saguinus bicolor). These sounds attract the attention of adult monkeys, who rush to help, thinking that the babies are in danger.
Long-tailed cat. Image source: National Geographic
Margay tamarin monkey. Image source: Science Alert
When adult monkeys approach the source of the sounds, the margays suddenly attack them. Locals in the Amazon have long heard the margays' cries at night, but this trick was only scientifically confirmed in 2009.
You might be interested in: Why do cats “chatter” when they see prey
How turtles hunt
Alligator snapping turtles (Macrochelys temminckii) are the largest freshwater turtles found exclusively in American rivers.
They are known for their spiny shells and dull coloring, which allows them to blend in with the muddy river bottom. The turtles are able to sit motionless underwater with their mouths wide open, waiting for their prey. Their tongue resembles a small worm, which actively moves, attracting fish.
A huge turtle with excellent camouflage. Image Credit: Live Science
As soon as the fish approaches, the turtle quickly closes its mouth. The fish, deceived by the bait, ends up in the trap, and the turtle quickly swallows it.
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