It’s a common sight to see people congregate in specific locations – a bustling plaza with shops and cafes, a sunlit park, or a beach at dusk. We often refer to popular bars and restaurants as “watering holes,” drawing a parallel to the gathering spots in the animal kingdom. But do animals also gather in large numbers at places other than traditional “watering holes”? And if so, what drives this behavior?
In a captivating video, we witness an array of wildlife creatures showing keen interest in an ordinary boulder located along a woodland trail. From a pack of wolves to a family of otters, this particular spot seems to have garnered widespread attention, with different species exhibiting unique ways of interacting with the scents left behind by others.
It seems that the boulder near the trail camera has been laced with some form of scented or pheromone lure, as it has become the focal point of activity. Initially, the wolves dominate the scene, delighting in the scent and marking their territory by rolling around, showcasing a ritualistic behavior. Soon after, the otters follow suit, engaging in an adorable stomping dance to leave their own scent trail.
While the otters and wolves are frequent visitors to the boulder, diligently marking their presence, they are not alone in their interest as time progresses. Other creatures, including foxes, beavers, and even fishers, are drawn to the spot, each leaving their unique mark on the surroundings.
For those unfamiliar, fishers, sometimes called fisher cats, are a substantial member of the mustelid family, resembling weasels, martens, and wolverines. Sporting elongated, canine-like faces, bushy tails, and reddish-brown fur, fishers are not primarily fish-eaters despite their name, which stems from a misinterpretation of historical colonial terms.
Can you distinguish between a fisher and an otter as they partake in the endearing stomping dance to claim territory? Both species exhibit this behavior with remarkable similarity.
Notably, the boulder in the video appears to have been artificially scented by humans, indicated by the caption referencing a “dab of the smelly stuff.” While baiting wildlife for camera shots is often deemed illegal, exceptions exist for non-hunting purposes like wildlife observation. It is advisable to acquaint yourself with local regulations before attempting similar activities.
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