that’s why the fox is a tramp
February 16th, 2009
It’s no secret that animal habitats are being encroached upon and causing all sorts of weird "coyotes buying ice cream cones" type of behavioral adjustments. I feel like this was big news in the enviro movements of the 80’s, right? There’s that Miyzaki film about the Racoons (remind me to tell you the story of Cakeface sometime) in Japan, that Disney film about the animals losing their homes to buildings, etc.
But I had no clue there’s an entire GENRE of youtube clips all about foxes bouncing on people’s trampolines! The clips are fun and weird. How do the foxes know that this is what’s supposed to happen on a trampoline? It must feel great. They must like to have a good time.
Fun and weird.
Go to youtube and search for "fox" and "trampoline" and you’ll find tons of these vids.
[via]
I would argue they don’t know what to do on a trampoline, they are just doing what comes natural as hunters, just happens to be on a different surface
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtgM747Vi1o&feature=related
Ok, but there’s not exactly anything for them to hunt here is there. Foxes definitely play, and I think they’re on a surface that feels like it would be fun to jump on. I think if an animal plays it has a sense of “fun”. Also their friends probably tell them how awesome it is.
No, there is nothing for them to hunt, but i still don’t believe they know “what” to do on a trampoline. They are simply mimicking another behavior/action that is natural to them and it happens to be a good time on this surface. What may be the more interesting question is the subject of play and fun in animals….why do they engage in play? I would think the majority of it has to do with a behavior that is actually preparing them for survival, play fighting in wolves, running around trees for squirrels, cats stalking and pouncing….are humans the only real species whose play has nothing to do with their survival? Or maybe it does to a degree….God I wish I didnt have to be at work today….anyone want to skip work get a beer and discuss the above? I’m buying