Stray dogs go viral for using crosswalks in Almaty

Photo: threads.com/@tortul04_semey, photo editor: Dastan Shanay

A short video of stray dogs crossing a street in Almaty went viral in Kazakhstan. In the footage, which has already garnered thousands of views, two mongrels carefully approach a crosswalk, wait for cars to pass, and then calmly cross the road. Drivers, in turn, stopped and let them cross.

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Kaznet users have begun sharing similar videos in the comment section, noting that even stray dogs sometimes cross the road more carefully than people.

«They actually cross at the crosswalk and wait for the traffic light to turn green. What’s also interesting is that they always seem busy every morning, running in packs somewhere — apparently on purpose.»
«They walked carefully and didn’t stare at their phones.»
«Even dogs have already learned how to cross the road safely, while some people still run along the highway like crazy.»

Scientists noticed this behavior long ago. In one study conducted in the Chilean city of Concepción, researchers examined stray dogs’ behavior, showing that they are full-fledged city residents with their own routes and habits. The study found that the animals adapt to the rhythm of the city, stick to busy areas, remember where it is easier to find food and learn to cross roads safely at zebra crossings alongside human pedestrians.