I once saw a cartoon where a lion comes upon some small furry ball of protein eating grass. Sort of an ‘accidental’ bump to see what the response is. Often there is an “interview” to size up the relationship between prey and predator. In other cases the herd panics and leaves the old, injured and inexperienced behind. In some cases the predator will discover a “mule kick” to the face from a zebra means the diner bell hasn’t rung yet. The pack will surround a herd and attempt to spook them. ![]() It’s a question of who is actually lunch and who’s the top predator at the moment. That’s an instinctual decision-making process of weighing food value and availability against hunger and potential damage. They just kind of sniff at each other and then the badger suddenly lunges at the cat, biting its nose, clawing at the cat’s face and quite unexpectedly the mountain lion decides there is an easier lunch somewhere else. Maybe you’ve seen the mountain lion checking out a badger. The solo predator often needs to do an interview to establish the hunter/victim order. ![]() The decision on who's lunch isn't completely made, yet! ![]() It’s their difference and sameness that makes them interesting. Some are pack members so they have to spend time maintaining gang status, while others are solo creatures. Most of the day, predators are sleeping or walking round looking for opportunities. Watching this desert lizard that keeps lifting a different foot to avoid the hot sand set to music is hysterical.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |