Social Life
Some
mammals, like the Woodchuck, are solitary, living alone most of the year
and coming together with a partner only to mate. But many others live in
groups. The group’s members often cooperate to find food, raise their
young, and protect themselves.
Body
Language
Mammals communicate in many ways. The White-tailed Deer raises
its tail to signal danger to other deer. Rabbits and hares thump
the ground with a hind leg at the first sign of danger; others
feel the vibrations through the pads on their feet.
On
the Town
Hundreds, sometimes thousands, of Black-tailed Prairie Dogs live
in underground “towns.” Each town is divided into neighborhoods
made up of different family groups. Prairie dogs work together
to build tunnels and burrows. They also take turns standing
guard, using special calls to warn town members of danger or to
signal that all is clear. Prairie dogs often touch noses, a
friendly greeting for a relative or neighbor.
Boys’ Club
At certain times of year, some male mammals leave their herd or colony
and form bachelor groups. Mule Deer bucks spend the spring and summer
grazing and traveling in small bands of three or more. The deer in each
band are of similar age or size. As fall approaches, bachelor groups
rejoin their herds for the mating season.
Life
in the Pack
Gray Wolves form packs of four to seven wolves that are usually
related. The largest strongest male is the pack leader. He is
called the “alpha male.” If any pack member needs to be reminded
of who is in charge, the alpha male wolf shows its fangs or
raises the hair along its back and neck.
