Unlikely Heroes to the Rescue!
By Sandie Muncaster Horses, oxen and dogs have always been getting the credit for helping humans. However, there are some new animal heroes on the scene and what they can do may just amaze you. Bomb-Sniffing Giant Rats Rats have a reputation for being gross and yucky, but they may soon be getting a more positive rap. The African Pouched Rat is being used by some African nonprofit organizations to sniff out bombs in former war zones. These radical rodents can grow up to 3 feet long (1 meter) and have really poor eyesight, yet its nose is superior. In fact, like dogs, (which are also used to detect explosives in airports and for security measures), these rats are highly intelligent and trainable. This has inspired the United States to start the HeroRat program that would train and use rats to defuse bombs worldwide. Who knew a creature that spends most of its time in the garbage could be so useful? Beware of ... Donkey? Donkeys have always helped humans with farming and carrying heavy loads, but did you know they can also be ferocious watchdogs ... err ... donkeys? The donkey has a natural dislike for dogs, wolves and coyotes, so it makes the perfect guard for a flock of sheep. Infact, donkeys have been used in the pastures for many 20 – My School Rocks! | September 2013 decades. However, a donkey can also be trained to guard a house and its property. Donkeys are very territorial and very wary of strangers. They also have keen hearing and excellent eyesight, so they will be alert to predators long before the intruder starts to prowl around the yard. Once the watch donkey catches sight of a stranger and feels threatened, it will use a four-part, full-on assault of braying, kicking, stomping and chasing. You better run when this beast is snarling and lunging from behind you! Ssssnake Massssage It feels good when someone rubs your shoulders, but what about letting snakes slither over those sore muscles? You may be thinking ewww, but snakes are actually helping many people relax and unwind. Since snakes are cool to the touch and not at all slimy, the slithering sensation on your skin is good for relaxing tight muscles. Small snakes are used for the face, while bigger snakes are being used for a deeper massage. Of course, they are all non-venomous! Even though these animals may not be cute or cuddly, their abilities are amazing. Maybe we should train other animals to be human-helpers; perhaps ... a hamster housekeeper or a kitty cab driver?
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