Animal Senses

Animals use their senses to understand the world around them. Some animals can see, hear, or smell much better than humans. Others have senses that humans do not have at all. These special senses help animals survive.

Super Senses

Eagles can see eight times better than humans. Dogs can smell up to 100,000 times better than people. Bats use echolocation to find insects in complete darkness. Sharks can sense tiny electrical signals from other animals.

Unusual Senses

Some animals have senses that seem like superpowers. Pit vipers can see heat given off by other animals. Monarch butterflies use the Earth's magnetic field to navigate. Star-nosed moles have the most sensitive touch of any mammal.

Fun Facts

• A dog's sense of smell is so good it can detect some diseases in humans.
• Mantis shrimp can see 16 types of color, while humans can only see 3.
• Elephants can feel vibrations through their feet from miles away.

Did You Know?

Platypuses can sense electricity! They use sensors in their bills to detect the tiny electrical signals made by shrimp and other prey hiding in the mud.