It was another of those quiet-ish days at the den. I’m still working without my hide and still the adults came in to feed the pups calling them to the back of the den.
They both came in at different times probably having made different kills. At least the pups were able to stock those rounded little tummies.
I was only able to film the pups when they were out at first light as they ran around wildly playing with each other and seemed unconcerned with that thing watching them on the rock!
For the rest of the day they were only out when being fed and all that activity was behind the rocks, again!
With all them dogs out of action for the next few hours I went on a walkabout at midday. Walking in these hills is truly magical. It’s rugged harsh country but has a beauty of it’s own. And even now, 6 months since the last rains fell, there are still seeps oozing water out the ground in various places in the hills. These are obviously much sort after by the animals and not surprisingly I bumped into a number of grumpy old buffalo bulls at one spring. They weren’t sure whether to come and sort me out or not but seeing how huge I am, they quickly retired!
Then I rounded a bush and almost slap bang into this young elephant bull. He was as surprised as I was but stood his ground. He then made several shuffles towards me making sure to kick up as much dust as possible. And then luckily he took off. Again my huge hulk must have scared him off!
With the adult dogs having hunted successfully this morning they didn’t go hunting this evening and were coming in to the den, saw me, barked and moved off. No doubt they’ll have their fun in the dark when I’m gone.
Why do the parent dogs leave all day, if not to hunt? Are they running around marking their territory? Does one parent ever stay home and watch the pups, while the other one is gone, or are the pups old enough now that it isn’t necessary?
Loving every moment of this, was fortunate to see wild dogs in Sabi Sands this year they were hunting. I love these creatures.
Amazing videos. can you tell me how whiskey is and could he ever join this group?
Thanks so much
Sue
The parents are in the vicinity of the den all day. they usually hunt at dawn and dusk. and if successful then usually don’t hunt again for the next 24hrs. No they don’t run around marking their territory. Sometimes one of the adults will babysit while the others hunt but in such a small pack they can’t afford to babysit. The pups are safe so long as they stay close to the den and can duck in there when danger strikes.
Haven’t seen Whisky for a while. It surprises me he hasn’t joined this pack, but maybe the male has kept him away.
I look forward to your video everyday. Thanks so much for sharing this with all us………Jeanne
has Whiskey recoverd fromhis wounds?
Thanks
Sue
I haven’t seen Whisky again but am pretty sure the dude is doing well. I’m sure his wound healed fine. we caught it just in time.
Resources these as the one you mentioned right here will be incredibly useful to myself! I will publish a hyperlink to this web page on my personalized blog. I’m sure my site website visitors will uncover that fairly helpful.