Author: The Ethogram

The official blog of the UC Davis Animal Behavior Graduate Group.

Creature Feature: Douglas Squirrel

Picture this: you’re on a hike in the mixed conifer forests around Lake Tahoe in the Sierra Nevada. Ancient, resolute pines sway gently above you in the mountain breeze, dappling the sunlight around you. All is quiet besides the faint rustle of branches in the breeze and the crunch of needles under your boots. Suddenly,…

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Sunday Sketch: Hummingbird

Hummingbirds (family Trochilidae) are well known for their rapid flight and unique beaks that allow them to drink nectar from deep inside of flowers. A recent study showed that they will forage for nectar in the sun, even when temperatures are high and shade is available. Art by @misterkawaii_art [Edited by Isabelle McDonald] Reference: Lawrence,…

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Field Frame Friday: More Than the Bear Minimum

Grizzly bears in captivity will engage in contrafreeloading- which is where an animal works to obtain a reward that they already have freely available to them. While there are many theories regarding why animals engage in this behavior, it is agreed that zoos should explore contrafreeloading as a foraging enrichment strategy.  [Photo and caption by Isabelle…

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