Introduction[]
Humans have used animals to their advantage since pre-historical times. With much of society and technology not working, here is a list of animals, and ways they might be able to help survivors. It is possible that animals could be prone to infections. If the source of the infection is unknown you should be careful when trying many kinds of meat or animal companions. Many mammals are able to get rabies which is one candidate for mutating into a zombie virus (Quarantine, Quarantine 2). Many cloven-hoofed animals (sheep, cows) can get mad cow disease which is also a candidate for zombie disease (Zombieland). Other animals can also be the source. Another thread should be noted that many diseases can infect animals without affecting them making them carriers. And they are also prone to other diseases that might kill humans. Animals can still be hunted or tamed as food sources. Don't kill too many of the edible ones at the same time or you will run out of them. ===
Steeds and beasts of burden[]
Humans have tamed number of animals to make their work easier. Both as a way to travel faster (also check Vehicles) or to carry burdens for them, and even to help with some work. Of course, they can also be killed for meat in harder times. Examples of those animals are:
Horse[]
A horse
Humans and horses have a long history of cooperation. Horses are a truly domesticated animal and are quite plentiful in most countries (though less so in many cities and suburbs). Their fuel consists of grass and water, they can carry or pull a lot of supplies, and they can be quite fast and can usually maneuver around traffic jams. Some zombie survivalists have proclaimed Equus caballus to be the superior mode of transportation for the end of the world. However, there are some serious problems which strictly limit the use of horses. The first major issue is that it takes a lot of skill to ride one, and even then, the horse also has to be well-trained, and in a situation where farms and stables are being abandoned, many horses may go feral, leading to a lack of replacements in case something happens to your horse. And another problem is that if a horse gets spooked, which could very easily happen if it confronts a zombie mob, it could panic and throw the rider from its back, which could cause a debilitating injury or even death. Finally, thanks to automobiles and tractors making them obsolete, many horses today are bred not for farm work or pulling carriages full of cargo, but are purebreds, bred for horse racing and beauty contests. Thanks to this focus, as well as the consequences of inbreeding that come from breeding for specific traits, modern horses are not nearly as rugged as their ancestors and will wear out more quickly and get sick more often.
Donkey[]
Although being smaller and more stubborn than its larger cousin, the donkey can serve most purposes that the horse can, although more often used to carry burdens than humans. It is harder to frighten a donkey than a horse and it has been shown that they are intelligent. It has also been seen that the presence of a donkey has calming effects on horses.
Dolphins[]
Dolphins are extremely intelligent marine animals. Dolphins are known to be playful also. However, dolphins that have teeth (for example:t he bottlenose dolphin) may become too playful and may pose a hazard. Dolphins are carnivores and eat a variety of marine animals including: fish, squid, octopus, herring, cod, plankton and more. An important thing to note is that dolphins can be ridden. It is not advised that you ride one that you find in the wild or ride one without proper training. Dolphins are known to fight against sharks by ramming their snouts into the sharks gill slits. Another thing to note is that dolphins are also known to help struggling people in the water being attacked. Dolphins usually stick close to boats so that is a advantage and a disadvantage. The disadvantage is that they could get caught in fishing lines. The advantage is that if your boat is raided or if people turn, they're right there. Dolphins are usually found in tropical or temperate waters.
Ostrich[]
Granted, riding a giant bird sounds like something out of a fantasy video game, but the ostrich is large and strong enough to carry a human for a long while, and ostrich racing has become a popular sport in some areas of the world. There are a number of advantages to using ostriches as a mount. Despite being goofy looking, Ostriches are surprisingly tough birds, able to tolerate a wider range of temperatures and able to traverse a much wider variety of terrains than horses, from the chilling winters of Finland to the scalding heat of the Sahara. They are An Ostrich Race. They are also very fast, able to carry a human rider at speeds of 35 m.p.h. The birds feed mostly on insects and plant matter, such as grasses, seeds and shrubs, and can go without water for up to 3 days in desert environments and can fast for up to two weeks. Thanks to their long necks, large eyes and good hearing, the bird can detect predators from a long distance off, which could serve as a good early-warning system against zombies for the rider. And in a pinch, the ostrich can fight, able to disembowel or smash a skull in a single kick, and have the power to peck through car windows. And if worse comes to worse, ostrich meat tastes like lean beef, its feathers make for good bedding and insulation, and its hide makes possibly the toughest leather available...assuming you have access to means to either cook the meat or remove it in such a way that it prevents bacteria contamination, the necessary tools to "successfully and effectively" extract feathers, and the skills and tools of a leatherworker, respectively. Which, if you're being forced to eat your ostrich-mount, you probably don't have. Unfortunately, there are some problems. First, ostriches are difficult to ride, due to the irascible temperament and the difficulties encountered in saddling the birds, and it takes considerable skill to stay on. Second is their notorious habit of eating anything, and while they know enough to refrain from consuming zombie flesh, it still means you have to make sure they don’t suffocate trying to swallow a discarded beer can. Ostriches are not pack animals, so trying to carry too much equipment and supplies will quickly tire the bird. Also, unless you raised the bird straight from the egg, it’s very possible the bird might try to knock you off and kick you to death, and they can also turn around and peck your eyes out even if you’re on its back. Finally, as with all animals, unless given considerable Z Shock training, the big bird is likely to bolt like a frightened chicken at the first sign of the undead (and no, they ‘’won’t’’ stick their heads in the ground). Or, if you're unlucky, it will try and kill you in a fit of fear-induced frenzy. Ostrich's are extremely rare in the U.S.A, but trying to get ones from zoo's or wildlife preserves would be very difficult, trying to ride one would also be near impossible.
Elephant[]
Man has been using Elephants almost as long as he's been using horses,
A well tamed elephant
either in warfare to simply as load bearing animals. An elephant is strong enough to drag a bus, and smart enough to be trained to do a variety of things. Elephants are excellent swimmers, their dung makes for excellent kindling, and have both excellent senses of hearing, touch, and smell over
incredibly long distances. However those large animals can also be very dangerous. Any zookeeper will tell you that these large creatures are among the most dangerous animals in captivity. Males are particularly dangerous, since they occasionally go into musth, or their mating cycle, where they can experience unexpected bouts of rage, and can be vindictive. Elephants in circuses and zoos also tend to have numerous stress disorders, increasing the chances of one turning on its handler. Elephants also require enormous amounts of food and water, with the average adult eating 300–600 lbs. per day. Trying to find that much food and clean water is going to be a real challenge, even in the wild. If you are trying to use an Elephant as a means of transportation would be extremely difficult, wild elephants would either rush you or run away, riding an elephant is extremely difficult even for those experienced in doing so.Llama[]
A llama
The Llama, being common in South-America, has been domesticated since pre-historic times. Its greatest use is to carry heavy burdens and it can easily travel through rough terrain of high mountains. Its use as beast of burden has declined, being replaced by horses. Now they are mainly bred for their wool. Both could be set for good use. Llamas are famous for spitting but in reality they rarely spit on humans. Llamas which are well-socialized and trained to halter and lead after weaning are very friendly and pleasant to be around. They are extremely curious and most will approach people easily. However, llamas that are bottle-fed or over-socialized and over-handled as youngsters will become extremely difficult to handle when mature, when they will begin to treat humans as they treat each other, which is characterized by bouts of spitting, kicking and neck wrestling.
Mule[]
Mules are offspring of a male donkey and female horse. They have been bred for ages due to their amazing ability to carry heavy burdens over rough terrains.
Camels[]
A camel
Yak[]
Many cultures in the high Himalayan Mountains have based their life on this large cousin of the cow. They are specialized in surviving in those high mountains and are the best beasts of burden when traveling there. Their meat and milk is also good food source, their fur is good in clothes for surviving the cold up in the mountains, and at last, their dung is good fuel for fire.
Oxen[]
Oxen can pull heavier loads, and pull for a longer period of time than horses depending on weather conditions. On the other hand, they are also slower than horses, which has its advantages and disadvantages; their pulling style is steadier, but they cannot cover as much ground in a given period of time. For agricultural purposes, oxen are more suitable for heavy tasks such as breaking sod or plowing in wet, heavy, or clayey soil. When hauling freight, oxen can move very heavy loads in a slow and steady fashion. They are at a disadvantage compared to horses when it is necessary to pull a plow or load of freight relatively quickly.
A woman riding a zorse
Zebras[]
Some might consider using Zebras as a stead. That is not at all recommended due to their nature; they are more likely to panic and all attempts to tame zebras have failed. Some experiments have been made with cross-breeds of zebras and horses but in the end, horses are still better choices.
Zorse[]
This is cross between a Zebra and a horse. This is a more reliable and easier to tame steed and possibly faster than a zebra, and stronger and has better instincts than a Horse and Donkey. The Zorse is considered to be the equine with the largest leg to body length ratio, almost 8% more than zebras and more than 10% more than most horses. This feature allows them to run in a fifth speed, faster than the traditional gallop, called gorste (GOR-ST); as in that Zorse is going at a gorste.
Food and Fur[]
Although most animals can be used as a food source, many animals have been specially domesticated for that purpose. Also, most skin can be used for leather-making, but many animals produce wool, which has the advantage of being able to be sheared year after year, and is excellent for clothes.
Alpaca[]
This smaller cousin of the Llama cannot be used as a beast-of-burden. It serves purpose similar to sheep. Its wool is excellent for cloth making.
Chicken[]
Very good at producing food. They will peck rocks, which vital for their gizzard, bugs, and grass. If you can find layer hen food, they will love this also. The hens will lay eggs, which can hatch into more chicks if you have a rooster, and said roosters (and hens) can be eaten if necessary. Neither eats much more than it produces. Also, it is small and can be easier to travel with than larger animals. It is also possible that their feathers could be used for clothes and fletching's for arrows or crossbow bolts.
Cow[]
May be used for their meat or their milk. It should be noticed that they can be infected with mad cow disease which is one of the candidates for mutating into a zombie disease. They also eat a lot more than they produce, which can be a problem if you are keeping any other farm animals, or are running short on feed. They also drink a lot, which can also be a problem if drinkable water is in short supply. Their skin is good to make leather which can be used in clothing, or protective gear.
Goat[]
The goat can serve the most purposes of a cow, providing milk, meat and leather, but is smaller so it needs less food. Goats only produce milk when they are pregnant, not a very good choice for milk.
Pig[]
Pigs have been domesticated for a long time. They can be fed on leftovers of many kinds, including human feces, reducing the health threat posed by poor sanitation, and make an excellent food source, not to mention they are rugged, tough animals which can take different seasons well. However disease have been known to jump from pigs to humans, such as the Swine Flu.
Sheep[]
It is a good source of both meat and wool. Wool is also excellent for clothes, it's warm, even if soaking wet, does not burn easily, and more.
Honeybee[]
Honeybees could be kept to keep for honey and beeswax. One must wear a bee suit around them, and never let someone allergic around the holding area. Use smoke to calm them down, but never use eugenal oils, the tree's natural defense against insects, or bug sprays.
Rats[]
Rats can be breed fast and cheap, so they are a fast source of protein. However, they are capable of chewing through some of the toughest materials, so they will be hard to contain and keep away from your food stores. Also, historically, rats have carried disease, including the infamous Black Death that killed 1/3 of the population of Europe.
Raccoons[]
Raccoons can live anywhere, urban and rural. If a Zombie apocalypse does happen and homes are abandon Raccoons will go and live in them. Most Raccoons have diseases like Rabies, if you have to you can hunt Raccoons. Raccoons will come out at night and search for food, try to keep your food close to you when you sleep.
Rabbits[]
Rabbits can be easy to tame and breed and can be found almost everywhere. They are good sources of meat and fur, however, you need to be careful when eating them. Rabbit meat is so lean that you might die in the long term.
Deer[]
They are often hunted for their meat and could also provide a thin fur. Their antlers could also serve a purpose for making a knife or making a rut call.
Hunting partners[]
Humans have tamed lot of animals to help them with hunting. Their purpose can be anything from finding prey to bringing it back to you, or simply hunt for you.
Dog[]
Dogs, descendants of the wolves, have followed humans even longer than the cat. They joined the early humans as hunting partners and have been bred and trained for multiple purposes. Canines can be used for hunting and be taught tricks, which might not always have practical use, but can be very entertaining. You can also train it to alert you of an approaching threat, which is valuable in any scenario. The more aggressive breeds such as Pit Bulls and Bull Dogs may be used to fight raiders, not to mention their barking can alert to the presence of nearby raiders, and zombies.
Wolves[]
Wolves in the wild will avoid humans. Obedient dogs have been specially bred and trained for centuries. Their purpose would only be as hunting partners.
Eagles[]
Golden eagles have been used for hunting animals in middle Asia. Although they can be excellent hunters, due to great sight, flying skills and more, they are extremely hard to train, and eagle training is a life profession.
Falcons and hawks[]
Falconry has been a hunting art since medieval times. It is still practiced across the world. Still, it is both hard to learn, and it is hard to get a trained falcon, and even harder to train a wild one. An idea of co-existence between humans and falcons in zombie-infested world, falcons could be living in high places inside fortresses, where they would hunt other birds that plague crops.
Bears[]
Being both large and strong animal, some may be tempted to train bears for hunting or fighting. That is not advised. Bears are often aggressive if you look like you pose as a threat or food, both which many taming techniques might pose you as. Tamed bears are normally trained from birth or young age for circus tricks like dancing and more. That has been banned as abuse of animals. Trying to control the aggression of a bear is impossible. So the best advice is to simply stay away from Bears.
Lynx[]
A Lynx may be used as the more cunning and stealthy killer of small animals. They are more sharing than bobcats but less likely to catch something because they are so noisy. They may be raised from birth or in a special occasion when the hunter had found one injured and nursed it back to health; it may grow a liking to the hunter. Can be hunted for food, but most likely as a last resort.
Crows[]
Crows have been the hunting partner of wolves for centuries, informing them about nearby injured prey. Crows are very intelligent and can be tamed by skilled bird owners, it is advised to keep a male and a female since the birds might else way become depressed.
Cats[]
Cats came to humans when they started farming and staying in one place, searching for the basic needs of shelter and food. Cats have helped humans for millenia by keeping food storages and sources safe from rats, mice, small birds and other small animals. In the modern world with rat poisons and traps, cats are now mostly household pets. In zombie-infested world both can be very useful. Cats are known to affect human behavior for the better.
Pigeons[]
Homing pigeons have been used for a long time to send messages. Their nature to find their way home over large distances makes them excellent mail carriers. Some pigeons even got medals in WWII for their service. If you are traveling long way from your base they can be used to send news or reports home. It should be noted that those messages can only be sent one way.
Canary[]
Canaries were used in coal mines for a long time, as a gas detector. If it stopped singing, the miners knew that there was gas, and if it dropped dead that they needed to get out of there as fast as possible. If needed to travel underground or building a base in a cave, canaries are very helpful.
Medical Helpers[]
Leeches[]
Leeches could be used in the case of swelling or blood clots near the surface. They are commonly used as so, and are a lot more effective at it than ticks. It is possible that they may even be able to drain the virus out of a survivor. If you decide to use them, do NOT try to remove them, they can vomit back into the bloodstream giving diseases.
Scorpions[]
Dead scorpions, along with slices of ginger, are placed on the faces of people to cure face paralysis. It didn't work 100% of the time but worked occasionally, and may work in the event of an infection.
Pets[]
Many animals are domesticated, or have now do to advancements in technology, simply to provide companionship to humans. Popular modern day pets are, for example cats, dogs, fishes and more. Also are many exotic animals sold as pets, like snakes, spiders and more. Those animals may or may not serve some direct purpose toward your survival but you should never underestimate the morale boost an pet will provide.
Mutualism[]
There are many types of wild animals that can be helpful to humans without being domesticated or hunted. Spooked animals may indicate zombies or bandits. Several examples of mutualism between humans and animals have occurred.
Honey guides[]
These African birds feed on bee wax and larva, but cannot get into the actual beehives. Because of that, they will first find beehives and then lead animals (like humans) to them. If you know how to kill bees with smoke, this can give you valuable food on the African savannahs. Just remember to leave the wax and some larva for the bird, as local folklore says if you don't, he will next time lead you to a lion's den.
Vultures[]
One of the more unfamiliar and uncomfortable examples of mutualism. In the remote mountain areas of Tibet and Nepal, which can lead to areas with thin air, vultures have been used in some societies to dispose of the dead. That way of disposal is impractical everywhere else, as burning or burying the body is both physically and psychologically easier than chopping them up and feeding them to the vultures.
Zoo animals[]
Most likely, all zoo animals have already either escaped due to there being no zookeepers to keep them in their cages and living in the ruins of the city, died of starvation, or simpily got eaten by the livng dead. However, certain zoo animals born in their zoos have been known to be used to help people survive the zombie apocalypse (example: Shiva the tiger is Ezekiel's pet in the Walking Dead comics).
Approaching wild animals[]
When traveling, longer or shorter ways, you will likely see wild animals. Even in urban environments, they will probably seek shelter and food. Most animals avoid humans but some may consider you a threat needed to be dealt with or a prey. Here are some general advice which can help you survive those encounters, even without a weapon.
- If approached by a large predator, like a bear or large feline, never show fear. Don't look like it might consider you a prey. Try to look big and give the expression that if it attacks you, you are dangerous. Still try not to make yourself look like you are going to attack it. Simply look like neither threat nor prey. If you have seen wolves or large felines hunting you know that they hunt the ones that run, and you are not and will never be as fast or agile as those animals.
- Many animals will protect their young with fiercely. Never get in between them.
- Just because an animal doesn't run from you it doesn't mean that it's friendly and you can pet it. Simply walk past it and be ready if it decides you are a threat.
- It is not certain if animals will know the difference between a human and a zombie. That might cause problem, making them more aggressive or more spooked. Although it is unlikely because they can smell the difference.
- Never get in the way of running/spooked herd of animals (like bison or wildebeest). They will not notice when they run over you.