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Horses helping on the farm -

Of course, horses have been helping humans since the dawn of time. You don't really need to be reminded of their role in farms around the world.

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Bulletproof goats - Ever heard of goat silk? Some scientists have built a "bulletproof" skin from spiders web. The spiders are fed genetically-engineered goat milk, for that extra power.

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Donkeys and llamas do battle with coyotes - Coyotes can be a real issue in urban areas around the world. Llamas and donkeys are sometimes used to ward off the troublesome canines.

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Smuggling pigeons - Animals can be criminals too, y'know. In 2017, a pigeon was busted for smuggling substances in a tiny backpack. Pigeons have been used to smuggle narcotics for years.

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Mine-detecting rats - Some countries in Asia and Africa use rats to detect mines. They are small, light, and don't take long to train.

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Doctor fish - The red garra, also known as the doctor fish, is used to gobble up dirty and dead skin on our feet.

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Earthquake rescue rats -

Rats get a bad reputation as a nuisance in cities, but their cleverness and ability to get into tight spaces is being put to good use. In 2022, Belgian non-profit APOPO started putting tiny, high-tech backpacks on rodents to help first responders search for survivors among rubble in disaster zones, CNN reported. With the rise of natural disasters like earthquakes and hurricanes putting more lives at threat by leveling entire towns, rats' small size, adventurous spirit, and excellent sense of smell make them perfect for locating survivors in tight spaces, says Donna Kean, a behavioral research scientist and leader of the project. 

The rats, currently still in training, are to first locate the target person in an empty room, pull a switch on their vest that triggers a beeper, and then return to base, where they will receive a treat. The backpacks will reportedly be equipped with a video camera, two-way microphone, and location transmitter to help first responders communicate with survivors. But you'll see that rats have many other diverse talents, too. 

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Police monkeys -

Monkeys are highly intelligent, and have many jobs around the world. They can help disabled people with daily tasks, or even assist with police work.

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Bomb-sniffing dogs -

A bomb-sniffing dog named Patron has helped neutralize hundreds of Russian explosives in Ukraine. The tiny Jack Russell terrier—and his owner, Mykhailo Iliev of the Civil Protection Service—were even awarded a presidential medal by Volodymyr Zelenskyy in recognition of Patron's service to the country, detecting more than 200 undetonated explosive devices since the beginning of the war in late February, Reuters reports.

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Mine-detecting dolphins -

Dolphins are very intelligent, and use their sonar to detect mines in the water. They work with the U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Program.

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Spidercide -

It might not be an official job, but spiders can actually help humans by cleaning insects off our fruit. They work as a natural replacement to pesticide.

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The genius of glowworms - Glowworms aren't just beautiful beetles, they can actually be used to monitor blood pressure, while their proteins have been used in research.

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Oysters stopping water pollution - On the east coast of America, oyster beds have been planted to battle water pollution. Apparently it works, as pollutants are actually filtered by oyster beds.

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Guard geese - You've heard of guard dogs, but guard geese are a whole other beast. Their territorial nature and cunning eyesight make them great guards.

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The other side of a spider bite - Sure, spiders can be freaking scary. However, a bite from the Phoneutria spider can have the same effect as Viagra. The more you know.

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Maggot therapy - It may make you squeamish, but "maggot therapy" is a method where maggots eat non-healing tissue on a wound.

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Dog beekeepers - Beekeeping is no easy job, but it's made easier thanks to dogs. They can be trained to smell out infected beehives.

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Ferrets in the pipes - Ferrets have been employed to clean pipes, like at the National Accelerator Laboratory (Hadron Collider). They can also be used to thread wires through them. 

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Falcons preventing a dirty Dubai - Dubai is a squeaky clean city. That's helped by trained falcons who scare other birds off of important buildings, and out of neighborhoods.

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Dogs sniffing out diseases - Believe it or not, some dogs are able to sniff out diseases like cancer. Certain dogs have worked with doctors to help detect cancer in patients.

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Rescue dogs -

Brown is part of the specially trained dogs in rescue operations working alongside their handlers to patrol Levante Beach near Malaga. Equipped with life vests, they join the team on jet skis and boats. Known for their impressive strength and swimming abilities, these animals can detect ocean currents invisible to humans and tow life rafts weighing several tons, making them invaluable in saving lives.

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Goat caddies - For years, goats have been used to carry golf equipment around courses.

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Narwhal thermometers -

Over the years, scientists in America and Greenland have fitted narwhals with satellite tags. Tracking the animals helps determine the changing temperature of water.

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Parrot on the lookout - Parrots have helped out in the streets. In 2010, a Colombian parrot named Lorenzo was taken into custody after he was caught warning cartels about police.

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Police dogs - Dogs have an amazing sense of smell, which is helpful for police and the military. They can sniff out substances, and bombs, and some can even revive an unconscious officer.

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Ravens helping hikers - Ravens are pretty clever, and can actually help humans who get lost on hikes. Specifically, Shade the Raven helps out hikers in the Arizona backcountry.

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Rats battling TB - In Tanzania, medics are battling Tuberculosis with a little help from rats. Some species of rodents can detect cases of tuberculosis.

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Canaries in coal mines - Canaries have worked in coal mines since the early 20th century. They help with predicting carbon monoxide in a mine.

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Strays fighting crime - In Thailand, stray dogs and crime are two big issues. So, some strays have been fitted with vests with security cameras to help fight crime.

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Chief Mouser - 10 Downing Street is home to the UK's prime minister. The residence has a cat, dubbed "Chief Mouser," who helps scare off mice and rats.

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Monkeys picking coconuts - In countries like Thailand, monkeys have been trained to pick coconuts from the trees.

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Police horses - Horses have many roles in society, and are sometimes used for police or the military. Their towering physicality helps intimidate protestors and rioters.

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Selfless crisis dogs - Then there's crisis dogs, the selfless animals have been trained to comfort humans who have experienced intense emotions after a crisis.

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Horses helping on the farm -

Of course, horses have been helping humans since the dawn of time. You don't really need to be reminded of their role in farms around the world.

See also: What happens to your body if you only eat fruit?

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