Can an animal commit suicide?

Question

do animals have that much thought processes? would a carnivore or herbivore ever get the idea of intentionally killing itself?

Answer 1

ever see lemmings?

Answer 2

For those of you that believe it, lemmings do not gather in massive hordes and dive off cliffs.  That's just a myth.  No, animals do not conciously commit suicide.

Answer 3

In some circumstances, animals commit suicide (mostly when they're drones like with ants). However, do animals kill themselves if they're reproductively healthy and capable? No.

Answer 4

Only for the purpose of protecting its "pack." (A sacrifice in a way)

Answer 5

Hard to say.  They never leave notes.

Answer 6

There have been people that say that animal can do this, and I think that certain animals that are self-aware (they acknowledge that they exist) can do this. There have been also cases of animals commiting suicide if there is overpopulation.

Answer 7

I guess beached whales and dolphins come to mind.  Sometimes they are ill, or injured, other times there seems to be no reason.

~Garnet

Answer 8

animals definitely do not commit suicide. they can feel pain, distress, and emotion but it is not in their breeding to kill themselves.

as for lemmings committing suicide this is just a myth.

Answer 9

no. an animal doesnt think about that. it only thinks about mating hunting sleeping. but bees sacrifice themselves to protect their hive so its like theyre suiciding. im guessing theyre th only insects that suicide on purpose.