Posted on 11/02/2018 12:09:38 PM PDT by ETL
The deadliest cat on Earth isn't a shaggy-maned lion, a sleek leopard or a stealthy tiger. It's a wee cat that you've probably never heard of: Africa's smallest feline, the black-footed cat.
Native to the grasslands of southern Africa, the black-footed cat has an endearingly round face and a light brown, black-spotted body that is small even compared to domestic cats. The wild feline measures only 14 to 20 inches long, stands about 8 inches tall and weighs about 2 to 6 lbs, according to the International Society for Endangered Cats (black-footed cats are listed as "vulnerable" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature).
Admittedly, those measurements don't sound very impressive when compared to the sizable big cats that are among the world's most fearsome predators. But despite its small size, the black-footed cat hunts and brings down more prey in a single night than a leopard does in six months, according to the PBS Nature miniseries "Super Cats." [Meet the Rare and Fabulous Felines of 'Super Cats' (Photos)]
..."
Black-footed cats use three very different techniques to nab their prey. One method is known as "fast hunting," in which the cats bound quickly and "almost randomly" through the tall grass, flushing out small prey such as birds or rodents, Hunter said. Another of their methods takes them on a slower course through their habitat, with the cats weaving quietly and carefully to sneak up on potential prey.
Finally, they use a sit-and-wait approach near rodents' burrows, a technique called still hunting, Hunter said.
"They wait for up to 2 hours, [staying] absolutely immobile, just silently waiting at the burrow for a rodent to appear. And then they nab it," Hunter told Live Science.
(Excerpt) Read more at livescience.com ...
That is not a feral housecat, it is a small cat that is wild by nature and a distinct species.
You probably don’t want to shoot those, right?
Beautiful creature!
There are about a dozen or so wandering around my neighborhood. Two of them are actually friendly and let me get close to them. They keep the bugs, lizards and rodents away so I deal with it.
"Oh it's just a harmless little bunny, isn't it!?"
You’re welcome.
I forgot to credit Wikipedia for the transcript.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rabbit_of_Caerbannog
Good kitty!
We have a couple cats right now that have killed; a pheasant, rabbits, gophers, mice, birds, and squirrels.
The pheasant left the one a bit wounded but he got the job done.
Not around here...we would have a field mice problem if the neighborhood cats didn’t keep them at bay......everybody feeds the cats outside so they’re never without food yet still they keep these field vice well in check!
Gorgeous cat.
I agree, they are quite beautiful.
Is there a shortage of birds where you are that y’all are into shooting cats, or just no large wild predators?
In the rural area I live in, smart people don’t let their cats-or dogs-run loose because they will quickly become take-out for a mountain lion, coyotes-and the smallest dogs and cats are also easy prey for foxes and hawks-the same foxes and hawks that prey on birds and rodents. A loose dog’s owner is liable for a $500.00 fine and any damage the dog did to livestock, etc.
I have 3 cats-indoor, neutered pets, all shelter rescues. No rodent-or insect or lizard for that matter-gets past the part of the kitchen by the back door-and the cats expect to be paid in treats for performing that valuable service...
What a cool cat-both of my gray female tabbies have a cute face like that...
Feral cats are the result of careless HUMANS. Those that did not spay or neuter their pet cat and allowed it to produce litter after litter. Those who tossed a deceased relative’s pet cat out into the street to fend for themselves as soon as the relative was laid to rest, and so on. There are numerous scenarios, none of which are the cat’s fault. We all have a hard-wired instinct to survive, and cats are no different. If someone is not giving them a nice warm home with regular meals, toys, etc. then the cat has to find its own food. Often, unfortunately, that takes the form of small birds, rodents, or rabbits. Why should the poor cat die because they were not born into a loving home or because they were abandoned? I have had several rescue kitties, and they are the best cats ever.
LOL! I have a male Tom Cat who is a lazy couch warmer, and then a young petite female who is a born and bred hunter-killer. I haven’t seen evidence of a single rodent around in a couple years since she graced our house. She’s a happy addition as she clearly works for a living.
So ironic that Tim the Enchanter could shoot fire and blow things up with his staff but not the rabbit.
7
I have thousands of animated gifs...I collect them...I see them as cultural touchstones!
I am going to come back here to vacuum those up later! Thank you!
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