Alabama, 19 15. 87 



MUTUAL AID AMONG WILD ANIMALS 



THE gregarious habit is very generally in animated nature, 

 \ especially among mammals and birds. Those animals of a 

 solitary kind are decidedly in the minority ; and, owing to 

 their compartively unprotected condition, they are con- 

 stantly exposed to the attacks of their natural enemies, while the 

 associated animals are saved by the wisdom and acuteness of their 

 wisest members, and by the strength which results from united 

 action. 



A great many hoofed animals, such as antelopes, deer, goats and 

 elephants, live in herds ; which are not mere irregular crowds, but 

 regular organized bands, with definite conventions, and with a 

 power of united resistance which frequently enables them to success- 

 fully withstand the attacks of predatory carnivores. Most monkeys, 

 as individuals, are comparatively defenseless, and, as a rule, are not 

 disposed to come to close quarters with their enemies ; yet, when in 

 a body, they are often formidable, and are frequently able to help 

 one another out of difficulties. 



Brehm relates how he encountered a troop of baboons which 

 were able to defy his dogs and to retreat in good order up the 

 heights. A baby baboon being left behind called loudly for help. 

 One of the large males courageously returned, went to the young 

 one and carried it up the heights in trumph — the dogs being too 

 much astonished, apparently, to make any attack. 



A rabbit is generally supposed to be a stupid little animal, yet 

 he makes an excellent sentinel in keeping watch while the others 

 are feeding. On seeing danger, he kicks the earth in his burrow 

 violently, by means of which the whole warren becomes alarmed and 

 flees to safety. 



Some of the most successful carnivorous animals, such as wolves, 

 hunt in packs ; and many birds of prey, such as eagles, vultures and 

 kites act in unison for the purpose of destroying their quarry. Com- 

 bination, for the purposes of defense, has its counterpart in combi- 

 nation for attack. In each case the united action is usually associated 

 with the practice of posting sentinels to warn the rest, or of sending 

 out scouts to reconnoiter. 



