Scientists have long documented instances of animals aiding members of their own species. Elephants, dolphins, and chimpanzees have all been observed assisting injured companions.
However, a recent study reveals that even small rodents, such as mice, may exhibit similar behavior—attempting to “resuscitate” unconscious peers.
Observing Rodent First Aid
According to Dziennik Naukowy, researchers at the University of Southern California recorded videos of mice responding to unresponsive cage-mates.
The rodents engaged in behaviors resembling first-aid efforts, such as scratching, biting, and even using their tongues to clear their companion’s airways.
During experiments led by Li Zhang, mice were introduced to an anesthetized peer that was unresponsive.
Researchers observed that the rodents initially sniffed the unconscious mouse before escalating their actions—pulling at its tongue and persistently nudging it. Interestingly, this behavior stopped immediately once the affected mouse regained consciousness.
Instinctive Rescue or Reflexive Action?
On average, the mice spent nearly 47% of their time attempting to revive their unconscious companion, compared to just 5.8% spent on alert but conscious mice.
Scientists also noted that the rodents attempted these “resuscitation” efforts even on deceased mice, suggesting an instinctual rather than learned response.
Further analysis revealed a surprising success rate: when researchers placed a small plastic bead in the mouth of an unconscious mouse, its companions successfully removed the object 80% of the time, potentially preventing airway blockage.
However, they ignored foreign objects placed elsewhere on the body, such as in the tail or genital area.
Zhang’s team found that these behaviors were more frequently directed toward familiar cage-mates rather than strangers, indicating that recognition played a role in the rodents’ responses.
James Burkett, a neuroscientist from the University of Toledo who was not involved in the study, noted that “this suggests the mice are not just responding reflexively but are assessing the situation before acting.”
The Role of Oxytocin in Helping Behavior
Further investigations into the rodents’ brains revealed that these behaviors were driven by oxytocin, a hormone known for its role in social bonding and caregiving. Researchers identified increased activity in the amygdala and hypothalamus, brain regions associated with empathy and social behavior.
While these findings do not suggest that mice perform full cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), Zhang compares their behavior to "using smelling salts or shaking someone awake."
This discovery raises questions about the prevalence of such instincts in other social animals and offers insights into the biological roots of caregiving behaviors across species.
