Why do not bulls like red? Causes of aggression

It is believed that bulls react aggressively to scarlet shades. In fact, this is not so. Along with all other representatives of cattle, they suffer colorblindness. Then why do not bulls like red color, if in fact they do not distinguish it?

Destruction of the myth

In 2007, the destroyers of the legends on the Discovery Channel tested the live bull in three separate experiments. Their goal was to find out why bulls do not like red color and whether this is really so. The essence of the first experiment was as follows: three stationary flags of red, blue and white were installed in the arena. The animal attacked all three, regardless of the shade. The next were three mannequins, and again the indiscriminate bull did not leave anyone unattended. Finally, it's time for living people. There were three people in the arena, the one that was in red stood motionless, two other cowboys moved around in a circle. The bull began to pursue the moving daredevils, while the immovable "red" ignored it.

Why do not bulls like red?

The Spanish matadors began to use a small red cloak in the bullfight in the early 17th century. Since then, probably, people have decided that it is this shade that turns a peaceful animal into a real beast. The fact that scarlet shades are able to disguise the blood, and it sometimes on the battlefield is a lot. Why do not bulls like red? Does he frighten them, irritates them? Will they react so violently to blue or, for example, green color? In fact, it's not about psychology or about physiology, animals do not care: they react only to movements when they feel that they can be threatened with something.

Color does not matter

Color - this is what the spectators pay more attention to than the bull. Firstly, richly embroidered suits and red capes are considered an important part of culture and the tradition of bullfighting. Just as sports teams always wear the same colors, scarlet capes are considered part of the form of bullfighters, and not because bulls do not like red. The reasons are also practical. Bullfighting is one of the most popular and controversial customs in Spain. Often this exciting action ends with the death of a bull, and a red one, though not very strong, but disguises an already cruel idea.

The bull attacks the one who moves

The question "Why do bulls react to red?" Is not entirely correct, since this color, and still green, they do not distinguish at all. They are angry movements. Moreover, the bulls participating in bullfighting come from a very aggressive breed (El Toro Bravo). They are selected in such a way that any sharp movements could drive them out of themselves and force them to rush into the attack. Even if the cloak is sky-blue of a calm color, the bull will still attack if she waves it in front of him. Therefore, if the matador is dressed in red and stands motionless, and the other matador is dressed in any other color (even white) and begins to move, the bull will attack the one who is in white (the one who moves).

"Like a bull on a red rag"

Many people still believe that it is worth the bull to see something red, as soon as his eyes begin to pour with blood, he will begin to breathe heavily and scratch the ground with his hoof, and then, that the most terrible, powerful beast will rush headlong to the one who has it Annoying. Even the saying is: about someone who quickly becomes furious, they say that he reacts like a bull to a red rag. However, this is nothing more than a misunderstanding.

It does not matter what color the rag will be: if she stirs it and the bull notices it, then at first it will just be alert, but if you start waving it in all directions, then wait for misfortunes. This is a common defensive reaction. The animal takes the movement as a threat, and it has nothing to do but defend itself. By the way, if you waving a white cloth, then the effect can be even more tangible, since this color is brighter than red and the bull will see it faster.