04 JUN 2024
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When cats ingest or smell catnip, it can induce a state that appears similar to hallucination, including rolling, flipping, and seemingly chasing invisible objects. This reaction is due to the compound nepetalactone in catnip.
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Pufferfish Toxin: Dolphins have been observed carefully handling pufferfish, which release tetrodotoxin, a potent neurotoxin. In small doses, this toxin can have a narcotic effect on dolphins, potentially leading to altered states of perception.
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Amanita Muscaria Mushrooms: These mushrooms contain psychoactive compounds like muscimol and ibotenic acid. Reindeer are known to consume them, which can lead to behavior suggesting altered perception or hallucinations.
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Various Plants and Substances: Some primates, like chimpanzees and lemurs, have been observed consuming certain plants and insects that have psychoactive effects. For example, the red colobus monkeys in Madagascar eat leaves containing chemicals that may have psychoactive effects.
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Certain Medications and Toxins: Dogs can experience hallucinations if they ingest substances like marijuana, certain medications, or toxins like those found in some molds or mushrooms.
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Fermented Fruits: There have been anecdotal reports of elephants consuming large amounts of fermented fruit, leading to inebriation and behavior that could be indicative of altered states of perception.
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Mushroom Spores and Other Substances: Some insects, such as bees, can be affected by consuming certain fermented substances or fungi, leading to disoriented behavior that might be akin to hallucination.
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While it is challenging to definitively prove that animals experience hallucinations as humans do, these behaviors suggest altered states of perception that can be compared to hallucinations in humans.