5 Smartest Animals On Earth Besides Humans

We all know that humans are the smartest animals on Earth, but just how smart are our animal companions?

In today’s post, we cover the 5 smartest animals on Earth besides humans. We also made an awesome video version. Click HERE to check it out.

Smartest Animal #1: Apes

Apes, such as chimps and bonobos, are our closest relatives. In fact, we share 99% of the same DNA!

Like humans, they are highly social creatures. They can be taught sign language to communicate between each other and with humans.

Chimps & bonobos in the wild have been observed creating tools and weapons for hunting and other purposes. They are highly adaptable. Even though they’re not as smart as us, they might just be the second smartest animal on Earth.

Smartest Animal #2: Dolphins

Some scientists believe that dolphins are actually smarter than apes. Their brains have evolved quite similarly to humans. Dolphins are certainly smarter than common pets such as dogs & cats, and wildlife animals like raccoons.

Dolphins are mammals, just like humans, which means that they need air to survive. This is weird considering they’re water creatures! They actually must hold their breath while underwater, and go to the surface to get air regularly.

Dolphins are social like humans too. They take care of their old, form relationships, go hunting together, and even play together.

They can help fisherman go hunting and enjoy engaging with humans. Dolphins also have a complex language like humans, and even give each other names!

Smartest Animal #3: Elephants

Most people would not expect elephants to make the list, but they do! Elephants are actually social, intelligent, and self-aware.

Self-awareness is the ability to recognize oneself in the mirror, and there are but a few creatures besides humans that can (the above).

Elephants will communicate with each other by stomping their feet or trunks in the ground. They can sense seismic activity in the ground, and are the only large animal to communicate this way.

Smartest Animal #4: Rats

Rats have the ability to have meta-cognition. Meta-cognition is the ability to think about one’s own thoughts. Some animals can “think,” but they’re not able to think thoughts about their thoughts. Rats can!

Rats are great at problem solving. They have dreams, and are quite social as well.

Pet rats can be purchased and they form very close bonds with their owners. They can be called by name, and love playing games.

Smartest Animal #5: Dogs

Everyone was expecting dogs or cats to make this list, and here they are! Whether or not dogs are actually intelligent is still a raging debate however.

Some scientists say that dogs are simply responding to commands through conditioning, whereas others think that dogs have an actual understanding of what’s being done.

One way or another, dogs make great friends for humans. Dogs evolved for thousands of years alongside humans (previously wolves). They have an innate desire to please their master, making them useful too.

Some dogs can sense their owner’s emotions. For example, if the owner is crying, the dog might come to comfort them. Owners can often sense the same for their dog!

Wildlife & Pest Infestation 

While most Wildlife & pests aren't smarter than humans, they can still be quite painful & difficult to deal with. If you think that you have a Wildlife or pest-related probelm, then please contact us or call 855-WILDLIFE for more information. You can also find a location near you by clicking HERE now

Thanks! 

-Wildlife x Team International 

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  • If you have raccoons in your attic, garage, or other areas of your home, call Wildlife X Team® at (817) 431-3007 today! Wildlife X Team are experts in raccoon removal and exclusion services.
  • Squirrel problems are rampant nationally. Squirrels can cause extensive damage in and around homes, including soiling floors and walls. Squirrels don't stand a chance against Wildlife X Team®'s trained professional staff.
  • Rodent problems are common for homeowners, but Wildlife X Team® can help you prevent rodents from getting in your walls or your attic. Keep rodents out of your home by calling today!
  • Removing and relocating bats is best left to professionals, as bats will bite and scratch if threatened. If you see signs of bats on your property or want to know how to get rid of bats from your attic and chimney, please call Wildlife X Team® at (817) 431-3007.
  • Although armadillos have no reason to get into houses, there is a lot of damage armadillos can cause. Their diet consists mostly of grubs and insects, but when they burrow, it can affect the very structure of buildings. Call Wildlife X Team® today!
  • Whether you are facing a snake infestation on your property or just notice a single snake, call (817) 431-3007 at Wildlife X Team® today. Most snakes are harmless, some are venomous, and we can remove all kinds of snakes safely and quickly.
  • Birds can add a lot of enjoyment to the outdoor experience, but sometimes they cause trouble. If you're having an issue with problem birds like pigeons, starlings, or sparrows, give Wildlife X Team® a call at (817) 431-3007.
  • At Wildlife X Team®, we offer worry-free opossum removal and trapping. We can also repair any opossum damage.
  • Infamous for their defense mechanism, skunks are smelly creatures. This unique critter releases a scent to ward off predators and stay safe, and it smells offensive and can be dangerous.
  • Coyotes, a relative of the canine, are known for terrorizing livestock, and even household pets. Coyotes are often active at night, and homeowners often report the howling cries of these medium-sized creatures.
  • Badgers are notorious for having a bite that rivals their bark — despite their less-than-formidable size! Badgers have been known to fight animals as large as a bear!
  • Beaver damage is primarily to landscapes like riverbeds and lakesides. If you discover beaver damage in your property, call Wildlife X Team® at (817) 431-3007 to help relocate beavers and repair any damages caused by these flat-tailed critters.
  • Nocturnal creatures, bobcats will take down any prey necessary, especially livestock. Bobcats are territorial and will often return to the property they have claimed as their own, especially if there is a steady food source.
  • Chipmunks can be annoying and clever creatures, but they're no match for Wildlife X Team®. We offer chipmunk removal, and chipmunk damage repair services, plus we know how to keep chipmunks from coming back!
  • Fox landscape damage and feeding behaviors can affect homeowners' safety, so it's important to not approach a fox if you see one in the wild or on your property. Wildlife X Team® offers fox removal, fox trapping, and fox prevention. Call today!
  • Lizards, similar in appearance to snakes, can be frightening if you spot one in the wild or in your home, and although they don't typically attack residents, it's still good to not approach lizards.
  • Mole damage is most commonly found on landscapes, and sometimes humans don't even come into contact with them, but they definitely experience mole damage.
  • If you have discovered scorpion(s) in your garden or on your property, call us today for scorpion removal services.
  • Voles are not often spotted by humans, but vole damage is visible. For vole trapping, vole removal, and vole damage repair services, call Wildlife X Team® today!
  • Infestations of bugs are common, so if you are facing an insect infestation, don't panic—we can help kill insects and get rid of them inside and outside your home.
  • Wild hog trapping and wild hog prevention are the most effective means of wild hog removal. Due to the aggressive nature of wild hogs, we do not recommend DIY wild hog trapping.
  • Termite infestations are common inside homes and on properties, so if you are dealing with insects, call Wildlife X Team® at (817) 431-3007 today to get rid of your termite problem fast and effectively!
  • Bee and wasp infestations are common, so if you are facing a stinging insect infestation, don't panic — we can help get rid of them inside and outside your home.
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