Producer: Peuli Bakshi
Some cats have a strong attraction to catnip, a plant containing nepetalactone, that can induce a euphoric response in cats, leading to their playful behavior.
Reindeers in Siberia have been observed seeking out the Amanita muscaria mushroom. It can cause hallucinations in animals.
They chew on pufferfish, which contain a toxin called tetrodotoxin. In small doses, this toxin can have a narcotic effect.
Some cows and horses are known to graze on locoweed, a plant that contains toxic alkaloids. It can lead to neurological and behavioral changes, including lethargy and uncoordinated movements.
In some regions of Africa, elephants have been observed consuming the fermented fruit of the Marula tree. This fruit can naturally produce alcohol, leading to the elephants appearing intoxicated.
In the Amazon rainforest, jaguars have been observed consuming the ayahuasca vine. It contains compounds like DMT, which can induce altered states of consciousness.
Bighorn sheep have been known to consume lichen, especially during the winter. Lichen may have mild psychoactive effects on sheep.
These lemurs have been observed chewing on millipedes, which release a toxic chemical when bitten. They have psychoactive effects like inducing drooling and paw licking.
In Tasmania, wallabies have been known to consume poppy plants. These plants are used to produce opium, and can lead to erratic and disoriented behavior.
Certain species of butterflies consume nectar from flowers that contain alkaloids, which can have psychoactive effects on the butterflies.