A Bobcat Uses a Different Hunting Strategy to Catch a Duck

[MUSIC PLAYING] NARRATOR: The bobcat, named for his short bobtail, isn't built for deep snow. Small paws don't support the cat's weight, and he sinks into the drifts. The stealthy hunter becomes slow, inefficient. Bobcats usually avoid the snowiest regions of Yellowstone when winter arrives, but this cat may have been lured by an unusual opportunity-- open water, an oasis in a frozen world. It becomes a refuge for waterfowl, who, in turn, attract the bobcat. Bobcats are not by habit creatures of the water. They're elusive hunters, rarely seen. But the hungry cat must try his luck here in the open. [DUCKS QUACKING] The bobcat moves towards what must be a tempting sight-- mallard ducks within striking distance. The cat's bold approach should concern the ducks, but they don't panic. With a quick paddle, they're easily out of range. The bobcat is left with a puzzle. He'll try a different strategy-- hide and wait. Let the ducks come to him. But an unexpected target surfaces-- a muskrat, blissfully unaware of the unlikely stalker. [SPLASH] [DUCKS QUACKING] A mouthful of river muck is no prize. And this cold water is the cat's enemy. The only thing worse than being hungry is being hungry and wet.

Channel: Smithsonian Channel

Views: 623,714

Keywords: winter, watch, TV online, bobcat, freezing, wild, america, snow, Facts, yellowstone, USA, Prey, ice, geothermal, hostile, mallard, predator, water, US, Fire and Ice, Documentary, channel, stream TV, muskrat, frigid, Stealth, video, Episodes, free tv, national park, feline, ambush, smithsonian, epic, free videos, duck

Id: GmFR0sMmdjY

Length: 4min 2sec (242 seconds)

Published: Fri Mar 08 2019