Although we prideful humans would like to take all the credit for ourselves, the fact is we wouldn’t have the world we have today without help from other species. For example, dogs have facilitated the herding of livestock since ancient times. Horses and camels made long distance cultural exchange possible. Early agriculture just wouldn’t have worked out without the ox there to pull the plow. Diseases associated with rat infestations would’ve irrevocably crippled early cities had it not been for cats. The list goes on and on. It’s clear that animals were absolutely vital to our development at various turning points throughout history.
But what about today? It’s easy to think that with the advent of modern technology, animal help has become obsolete. However, this is a misconception, albeit a common one. There are actually a wide variety of ways animals help us today and some of them are sure to surprise you…
Literal Navy Seals
Currently in the employ of the Navy Seals are 28 highly trained, well, seals that are capable of locating mines and even subduing enemy divers underwater. Using special clamps, they chase down and handcuff enemy divers or saboteurs who dare infiltrate the nation’s top high-security waters. Once a target is immobilized, they are reeled in and secured by human personnel. Who knew we could count California sea lions among our nation’s heroes?
Teach a Bird to Fish
Dark, long-necked, and sharp-billed, cormorants have long been the bane of fishermen in the western world. However, Asian and Mediterranean fisherman have learned not to compete with the efficient fish hunters but rather cooperate with them. They tame the seabirds at an early age and teach them to bring back the fish they catch. In exchange for their work, the cormorants get a portion of the daily catch and a boat to dry themselves on.
Fowl Play
One of the most effective hunting companions for duck hunters is strangely enough a tamed breed of mallard duck. When released by its master, the treacherous Call Duck attracts its wild brethren to a designated area by quacking loudly and repeatedly. Any unlucky duck that responds to its siren call is targeted and shot. Once there’s a good quarry to collect, the Call Duck returns to its master, with no apparent remorse.
