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African wild dogs live in packs.
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The African wild dog is also called the "painted wolf" because of the patterns on its fur. In fact, each African wild dog's coat has its own patterns that are as unique as a fingerprint! They are found on savannas in sub-Saharan Africa. They live in groups called packs that work together to do almost everything, including hunting and taking care of pups. Packs can include anywhere from 10 to 40 dogs. They communicate in many different ways - licks, whistles, yaps and even sneezing. When enough dogs sneeze it is time to go hunting! As a group, they can hunt animals much larger than themselves such as antelopes, gazelles and warthogs. They also eat rats and birds. Because they are always in their packs, the African wild dog has few predators, however lions and hyenas sometimes hunt dogs that get separated from their group.
Only the pack's top female has babies, and she can have up to 12 pups at a time. The whole pack guards them and tears up food for them. The wild dog is one of the world's most endangered animals.
Cool Fact: Wild African dogs are fast and can run up to 44 miles per hour!
Sneezing as a form of communication? That’s pretty cool!
ReplyDeleteWow, these guys have some pretty big ears. Are they related to the laughing hyena? They remind me of one.
ReplyDeleteHyenas and wild dogs look alike, but hyenas can be up to 100 pounds bigger! Also, hyenas are actually more closely related to cats than dogs!
DeleteI like laughing but not that kind of laughing!
DeleteThose dogs are scary looking! How are they different from Hyenas?
ReplyDeleteWild dogs have rounded ears that stand up, while hyenas have pointed ears that lean back. Their markings are different too. Wild dogs are smaller, and hyenas are more closely related to cats than dogs!
DeleteI did not know that hyenas were related to cats! They don’t look like cats at all !
ReplyDelete