5 minute read
ANIMAL
By C.A. Ritz BEHAVIORS
SURVIVING SUMMER
Spring brought budding plant life and many newborn animals. Past spring, those newborns are growing. With the return of summer, baby animals will survive partly by instinct and partly through behaviors taught by parents or other creatures. Wild and domestic animals demonstrate both instinct and learned behaviors.
Thinking about this, I remembered four foster kittens. They treated our male dog, Tiger, as their mom. They would follow him around, climb all over him, and gently chew and clean his fur as they purred themselves to sleep. Tiger was not strong on discipline so those four siblings hung around him like a fuzzy necklace. Another of our cats, Sammy Grey, learned to open doors. Those same foster kittens tried to follow his example but weren’t tall enough to reach. The female kitten watched our oldest cat, Princess Topaz, drink by scooping water with her paw like a spoon. After the princess was gone, the little one continued this behavior. Think about it. Which of these skills were instinct and which were learned behaviors?
BEHAVIORAL CATEGORIES
Scientists say inborn behaviors are those present from birth which reoccur as new babies are born and aid survival of a species. Inborn actions include both instinct and reflexes, but differ from activities that are learned from experiences. Learned behaviors can be changed or unlearned. Here are some examples:
INBORN BEHAVIORS
INSTINCT: There from birth
u Caterpillars form cocoons u Spiders spin webs u Insects swarm u Squirrels gather nuts u Birds migrate u Animals build homes; nests, burrows, dens, houses u Cats stalk rodents u Dogs dig in dirt u Human babies grasp or cry
REFLEXES: Responses when exposed to stimuli
u Blinking u Jumping when startled u Gasping for Breath u Leg Movements when a doctor taps under knees
LEARNED BEHAVIORS
u Cats using the litter box u Dogs’ tricks for treats (great name for a fundraiser, right?) u Seagulls entering buildings and stealing food u Humans walking and talking u Learning how to use a tool or instrument u Art and science skills
What other behaviors can you add to these lists?
SUMMER SCIENCE FUN: Here’s a challenge!
1. OBSERVE This summer, watch your favorite animal; a pet or creature you see outside or online. Are the creature’s actions instinct or learned behaviors? Record your observations!
2. RESEARCH Choose another animal you don’t know much about and find information at a library, book store, or online. Non-fiction books, magazines and sites like National Geographic, or veterinarian websites, can be helpful. What inborn instincts can you identify? What learned behaviors can you find? How are they similar to or different from the first animal(s) you observed?
3. RECORD Keep a list or chart of your findings! Your results may serve as a new hobby, topic of conversation when Aunt Vanessa asks what you’ve been doing, or the basis of a science project. Who knows? You may decide to become a veterinarian, biologist, author, or animal activist. For now, enjoy the process, have fun, and dream big!
C.A. Ritz ~ Author & Illustrator cynthialeopoldritsko.com
Animal Assistance, Rescues, Shelters
SAVE A LIFE ADOPT A PET
Adopt Foster Sponsor Volunteer Donate Educate Everyone can do something, large or small, to help save a life.
LOOKING FOR HERO ADOPTER for three sweet VERY bonded and related kitties all under 2 years old. This is Diva (mini Maine Coon mix) and her baby Pipsqueak (Siamese). Diva’s Diva & Pipsqueak mom, Kitty Kitty, not pictured here, but identical are looking for love together. Y
Nothin’ But Love Cat & Kitten Rescue 310-291-4015 (LV#) www.Nothinbutloverescue.org
My name is Sam. I am an 8 year old male Husky, 58 lbs. I love people and other dogs. I’m a very strong boy. Husky experience required. Owner surrender. NO CATS and no children under 10 yrs old. Adoption fee $225.00. Y
Sam
Foreclosed Upon Pets Inc. 702-272-0010 | forecloseduponpets@hotmail.com www.forecloseduponpets.org
This handsome boy is Cane, a young, 13 month old, Malinois Shepherd. He is one of the trainers favorites, extremely smart & eager to learn. He gets along with most dogs. He needs an adopter who is experienced with his breed and ready to have an adventurous and loyal friend for life! Y
Cane
Friends For Life Humane Society Call/text: 702-629-8945 or 702-629-9842 www.friendsforlifehumanesociety.org
Willie (12 years old) and Mr. G (9 years old) came to our rescue when their owner passed away. They are a bonded pair and both are very shy and take time to warm up to new people. They are good with other dogs and Willie & Mr. G cats. These sweet pups will need a lot of patience and time to warm up in a new environment. Y
Las Vegas Valley Humane Society info@lvvhumane.org | 702-434-2009 www.lvvhumane.org
Indica is a 2.5 year old German Shepherd/ Belgian mix who is a very sweet, happy girl that gets along with playful dogs her size. She will do best in a home with teenage kids, no small children, small dogs or cats. She will need an active family with a strong leader that can guide Indica to be the best dog she can be. Y Indica
Las Vegas Rescue Center Call 702-427-1307 to schedule a meet & greet. www.lasvegasrescuecenter.org
Billy is a 3-yearold male looking for a special and experienced home. He is FIV+ and has stomatitis (Nevada SPCA can assist with treatment - speak with staff). A home with a catio all to himself would be ideal. He is selective and likes to receive affection on his terms. Y
Nevada SPCA (702) 873-7722 | info@nevadaspca.org www.NevadaSPCA.org
Poor Melo has spent most of his life in and out of shelters. At 7-years-old, Melo is looking for the right family who is willing to work with his quirks. Adult-only home. He needs to be the only pet. Melo is ready to find that home that makes him part of the family. Y Melo
Hearts Alive Village Las Vegas info@heartsalivevillage.org www.heartsalivevillage.org
Gigi, an arab mare, came to LEAN from Animal Control when she was picked up estray in Sandy Valley. She’s available for adoption as a companion animal due to her age (20+) and club foot. Y
GiGi
Local Equine Assistance Network For more info: www.leanhorses.org/horse/gigi
Chance is a volunteer favorite! He’s playful & loves to cuddle. He is friendly with some dogs. Chance is approx. 5 years old. He will need an adopter with patience, but he Chance will pay you back with dividends. He tends to guard his person. Y
