1/8/2024 0 Comments Do prey animals survive![]() ![]() With a large group looking for trouble, individuals do not have to be constantly vigilant. Perhaps eyes or a nose are visible, but not seeing exactly where one animal starts and another begins makes catching just one animal much harder. The normal coat color and markings of livestock helps them blend seamlessly from one animal into the next so predators have difficulty identifying a single target to prey upon. A large group of white, brown, black, red or a combination of colors makes it difficult to distinguish one animal from the next and is visually confusing to a predator. If one member of the herd notices trouble, they will share with the rest through vocalizations, behavioral changes and perhaps even scent cues to alert danger. There are always eyes watching for individual safety, which translates to safety for everyone. Catching one animal is much harder when there are dozens, perhaps even hundreds, of similar animals nearby. One of the most important features of a herd is that individual members benefit from group living for many reasons. Animals die, new animals are born and other may be kicked-out, depending on the social structure, age and sex of the particular species. These groups may not be permanent because there is always transition into or out of the group. No matter what their herd is called, they are still a group of the same animals existing together as a cohesive unit. No matter what purpose these species have, they share one very important social characteristic – they are herd animals! The herds may take on species-specific names, such as a “flock” for sheep or “clutch” for chicks. Some of these animals provide us with food (meat, milk, or eggs), others fiber (wool, hair, feathers/down) and some serve as companions, transportation or aid with work. Cattle, sheep, goats, poultry, and horses are all prey species that have been domesticated by humans. ![]() Ever wonder why your animal behaves in a certain way or does things that might not make sense to you? This new series from Michigan State University Extension will answer some of those questions to help youth and adults have a deeper understanding of their animals and work together as a better team for 4-H animal projects.Īs previewed in Part 1, this article will begin the discussion of prey animals. ![]()
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