I'm from Tulbagh, Western Cape, South Africa. Tulbagh is a small farming community.
Get Pushed Challenge: I have been doing this challenge on and off...
@ericdibosco Eric, they were on a back road between Skukuza and Lower Sabie. They were running along the road in front of us, then they stopped and we went by. Once we passed by they set off again behind us. A bit further up the same road we came cross a group. We could only see six, one of whom was very pregnant but we were told that there were actually about 12 or 14 in the group. I will post some of those pics but not as nice as this as there were so many other cars around. We had these three chaps all to ourselves!
What are these guys like in the wild? Are they spooky, or are they not afraid of people? We have them at our zoo, and I think they are beautiful. They sleep in the open sunshine right next to the glass, and their enclosure is actually championed in the AZA world.
@adambralston Adam, they are wild animals and need to be treated as such. They are not domesticated in any way and are killers. They live and hunt in packs. They are an endangered species and they are also quite susceptible to diseases spread by domestic animals.
Fantastic shot, so good to get three together. Haven't they got huge ears. Our wild dogs are dingoes and although I have seen them in the wild I have never seen three together.
@salza Right, no I get that. I am a Veterinarian actually. We have coyotes here, and they are becoming socialized to people unfortunately. I was wondering how the wild dogs act because of that.
They look a bit scary to me- but I guess that's a good reaction as most people would think "oh, it's a dog" and not recognize the implications of "wild"! Actually, it almost looks like a multiplicity shot!
@adambralston Adam the majority of Wild Dogs are in game parks and as such the chance of them becoming socialised to humans is greatly decreased. They are actually quite indiscriminate when it comes to killing prey and will often kill more than they need to satisfy their hunger. This is one of the things that led to them becoming endangered. They caused major stock losses over the years and hence stock farmers would willy-nilly kill them.
@salza That is sad. They are a really neat canine. I am glad to hear though that they are somewhat contained now in game parks. I'm sure they venture out ever so often, but maybe education has helped people to understand them? Like the Yellowstone wolves after their reintroduction to the park. It has changed everything for the better, but ever so often one will leave and be found in Northern Wyoming, and usually shot by a rancher.
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