Research scientists have used many animal species in investigating mind-altering drugs, but it may come as a surprise to learn that animals in the wild � from starlings to reindeer � also make use of psychoactive substances of their own accord.
One such species, appropriately for a Christmassy article, is the reindeer, which goes to great lengths to search out the hallucinogenic fly agaric mushroom (Amanita muscaria) ? the one with the white-spotted red cap that garden gnomes like to sit on. Eating the toadstool makes reindeer behave in a drunken fashion, running about aimlessly and making strange noises. Head-twitching is also common.
I hope the police have a roadside test for Rudolph.
Fly agaric is what the beserkers used to use - those reindeer better be careful, 'cause it can kill them, or make them go berserk and take on a pack of wolves.
I hope the police have a roadside test for Rudolph.