One would assume that a coyote’s role in the social contract with a badger would be to offer eyes, ears, early warning and possibly even protection against other predators. One could even hypothesize that Miss Clover was telling Streak to quit screwing around, pay attention and get back to work.

Even if the behaviors were driven by these biological factors, it does not mean the behavior on Streak’s part was not enjoyable and sincere, nor would one assume Miss Clover’s behavior was one of indifference.

I’ll be interested to see futher updates on these interactions posted. One wonders if Miss Clover will eventually realize that in order to secure her relationship with Streak that she should relax, trust and enjoy play if she wishes to keep him engaged. I’d also be interested to see if Streak learns that play behaviors are not tolerated during intense food seeking activities and he’s to stand guard.

Again, though these animals may be ‘training’ one another to determine their roles, it does not mean that they are not enjoyable interactions to the animals, nor mindless biologically driven imperatives.

I would predict that in future interactions, it will be Streak that adopts other beheviors in deference to Miss Clover’s instruction, and that it will be she that shapes their relationship for the most part. I wonder how many times, if any, Streak will offer play until he abandons the strategy and what behaviors he offers instead in order to try to secure his symbiotic relationship with Miss Clover, or, win Miss Clover’s affections, if you will. What behaviors will Miss Clover herself offer or withold in order to reinforce or punish Streak to better understand her needs and their roles? If Streak performs his “role” to her satisfaction, will she lick his nose in her attempt to offer affection/reward? Will Streak understand? Or will it be she who accomodates Streak? To what extent will they meet in the middle?

Please continue to update posts on these interactions, and I know we’d all enjoy video of these encounters.

Lisa Wolf
Canid, llc/Eden Creek Wolves

I think Tisha’s comment makes a lot of sense. I also think you’re correct in saying, “Perhaps when relieved of the stress of needing to find food, safety, territory in which to hunt, an entirely different side of wild animals has the freedom to express itself. Perhaps when given the opportunity, without stress, they enjoy the company of species other than their own.”

Also, when balance is fostered & Love is the foundation, amazing things happen. WeR1 & we are energy, at the core of our being. The fact that healing & cooperation is fostered at Earthfire keeps the collective energy attuned to a certain frequency.