Natural High: Animals that Use Drugs in the Wild

Alcohol

Alcohol fermentation is easy. Take some fruit and do nothing to it. A simple yeast contamination will metabolize the sugars inside the fruit, producing alcohol. It is probable that alcohol was one of mankind’s earliest drugs for this very reason. But it is not only humans that have come under the influence of the demon drink.There is a common myth that elephants often get drunk on fermented fruit that has fallen on the ground, but in reality, they prefer fruit still on the tree. Deer, elk, monkeys, pigs, however, have all been spotted worse for wear after getting at alcoholic fruit. Birds have also been observed eating fermented berries. While these are mostly opportunists, eating whatever is available and not seeking out alcohol itself, there is evidence of this from an unexpected source.