Have you ever wondered if animals experience emotions like joy, sadness, or anger similar to humans? If so, you are absolutely correct, as some animals even possess the ability to hold grudges for a long time and may seek revenge if harmed. Let’s explore three animal species known for their remarkable long-term memory of grudges in the natural world!
1. Crows
Crows can remember their enemies’ faces for a very long time.
Among the smartest birds in the world are crows. A recent foreign study highlighted the memory of crows concerning human faces.
In research conducted by a team of scientists from the University of Washington, volunteers were asked to wear masks to trap crows while walking around the campus. The result was that these volunteers were continuously attacked by crows.
Even five years later, the crows on campus still vividly remembered the faces of these “enemies.” This phenomenon is explained by the fact that crows threatened by humans have “spread the word” to their flocks about the situation, causing crows in the area to band together to drive away anyone who threatens them.
2. Elephants
Elephants also possess a memory on par with crows.
Ranking second is the elephant, an animal with a memory that rivals that of crows. If we “offend” an elephant, even if we manage to escape, it will remember us for life.
A notable story about elephants’ memory dates back to 2002 when villagers in Nepal stoned an elephant to death, after which the entire herd came back to destroy the village, resulting in the deaths of 13 villagers.
Furthermore, elephants are social animals; members of their herds are very close. If one member is harmed, the entire herd carries the resentment. Even decades later, they are determined to exact revenge. In another instance, a hunter killed an elephant, but thirteen years later, the elephant’s brother returned to kill the hunter.
3. Honey Badgers
If you fight with a honey badger, no matter how far you run, it will chase you down.
This animal is recorded in the Guinness World Records as the “most fearless animal in the world” with the nickname “Brother Flathead.” Honey badgers are so combative that they show no fear even in the presence of the king of the jungle; if you attack them, they will chase you relentlessly, no matter how far you might run.
