Bobcat Out Hunting

The bobcat appears to be out hunting near a creek. Being part of a group can help animals obtain food, defend themselves, and cope with changes. However, some animals survive well living in solitude.

• If animals survive well by living in groups, why is this bobcat hunting alone? 

• What can you infer about the time of day or location the bobcat is hunting?
• How might the prey of the bobcat affect their living style?
• What arguments can you make for an animal to live in groups versus living independently?

Students could:

• Research the benefits of living independently versus living with a group, They could make a list of pros and cons of each.
• Discuss reasons why being nocturnal is beneficial. 
• Engage in a debate over species that live in groups versus species that live independently.

• The Wonder of Science | Animal Groups: The site contains many lesson plans, videos, and additional activities to support the 3-LS2-1 standard. 
• PBS LearningMedia | Nature: Arctic Wolf Cubs Learn Pack Behavior: this video shows how young cubs must learn the rules of their pack and submit to older group members in order to survive. Support materials ask students to keep a spy journal to record their observations and to think about how the spy wolf is able to witness pack behavior closer up than a human scientist