• Question: Why do all cows simultaneously face north (or south) when eating?

    Asked by michelletherezien to Charlotte, Jo, Kevin, Louise, Valeria on 19 Jun 2012.
    • Photo: Kevin Mahon

      Kevin Mahon answered on 19 Jun 2012:

      We don’t know yet! It’s truly weird, and something that only recently has gained attention.

      Science has yet to identify the cause of this unique behavior, but the German scientists who initially got the satellite photos that led to us noticing this phenomenom have come up with a theory.

      Since it is known that bees, bird and fish use the magnetic field of the Earth to orientate themselves, the scientists theorize that cows use the Earth’s magnetism also.

      No known studies have evaluated the reasons for this unique behavior, but the researchers believe it is an area to study in the future.

    • Photo: Joanna Cruden

      Joanna Cruden answered on 19 Jun 2012:

      another option is that they don’t like the sun getting in their eyes, it is very odd though!

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