Most people find it much easier to see things when they are moving. It is only when all the points in an object move together that we can see they are connected. This is one of the main ways we can tell that different things we see are all part of the same object. We assume all the points we see moving in the same direction at the same time must be part of the same thing.
The part of the brain that looks for moving things is very important in most animals. In fact,
some insects can only see things when they move.
Have you ever heard the phrase "Hide in plain sight"? A lot of different kinds of animals can do just that. For many, hiding is important for surviving in the wild. For the military it's important for surviving in a battle, If you can't run, you've got to hide!
If you lived in a bush, you might look like a branch or a leaf.
Color, pattern, texture, shape, and size are all things animals use to camouflage themselves. A polar bear uses color (white) for camouflage in the snow,
Camouflage can be used both to defend and to attack.
When selecting your camouflage keep in mind the brightness levels of your background of the camouflage. The brightness is an essential flag. The lighter the camouflage the most likely you are to be detected, especially if you're in a dark area surrounded by thick forestry. The
tight camouflage, however would be fine in sandy or dead grass area.
Shapes and Patterns are also important. Your pattern should blend with actual scenery in which you are fighting. General patterns, such as, USA green BDU, will also run a lower risk of been spotted.
A common army acronym for Battle Dress Uniform is "BDU's". These BDU's are available in three different camouflage patterns:
Also, back to the brightness issue, when on location establish a position where no bright objects are behind you. The brightness can cause you to become once again an open target as the sunlight objects behind you will cause your camouflage to disappear.
The most common used pattern is the "Tiger Stripe". This pattern is most seen in subtropical areas. The "Tiger Stripe" pattern was designed during the Vietnam War era for the U.S. Special Forces. It is a rendition of an earlier British design developed during the Malaysian "difficulties". It was used and is currently used for ultra-close range (50 yards) or when in battle in heavy jungle-like areas.
People and animals sometimes use this idea to hide. Military wearing camouflage can blend into a forest so that they can only be seen when they move.
Many insects and animals have bodies coloured in a similar way to the surroundings where they live. They are almost impossible to see if they stay still.Because most creatures have eyes that can see things much better when they are moving, many animals use camouflage to keep safe.
Humans are much more likely to see something if it is moving, even when it isn't camouflaged. You can check this out for yourself.
Try sitting in a place where people wouldn't normally sit (maybe on the floor against a wall, but in full view).
Keep very, very still and see how long it takes for people walking past to notice you. Provided they don't have to step over you or come too close, you'll be surprised how well camouflaged you become by just staying still.
Animals & insects "hide" by blending into their surroundings. Their colorings and markings allow them to become almost invisible.
For instance,
If you lived in a desert, you might be the color of sand.
If you were a tiger, your stripes would look like the shadows of trees.
and a stone fish uses color and texture for camouflage in a coral reef.
If you're the attacker, you can use it to sneak up on your enemy.
If you're the enemy, you can use it to avoid being seen by the attacker.
Tree bark patterns work well in specific areas.
| Main Page |