I found such a photo on the Internet and became interested in what function such a structure could perform.
this post was submitted on 29 Nov 2023
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Are there any predators smart enough to strategize like this? I know that some use water holes as hunting grounds, but that's probably more instinctive than actual strategy.
it is the predators that build such passages. Have you ever seen any construction company building them? Even in the first photo that is under construction, there is not any human worker in sight
That under construction pit is the pit of the manlion. It's similar to the pit of the antlion, except for construction workers.
They always have to deal with the manlion before they start building. Often by pouring concrete over it.
So you're telling me lions and tigers built that tunnel and that natural bridge? okay.
Would they need to be that smart? Ambush predators that stay in roughly one area, for example, could naturally grow their numbers in the area around such a chokepoint simply by virtue of the ones in that area having more food available and therefore better survival chances.
I think that these human-made structures provide such a different environment (loud sounds from cars, moving/flashing lights etc.) that previous instinctual adaptations wouldn't trigger.
They can track other species by smell at least. If that path is used by too many and smells like a farm, they would probably get used to hang around it naturally.
I don't think many areas exist where you have both a need and political will for building nature bridges, and also large predators.
Maybe canines? Idk
I just think it would be dope to drive under as a dramatic fight between an elk and wolves tumbled off the side onto my vehicle. Killing all of us instantly. What a way to go!
I know octopi have been escaping their aquarium enclosures and covering their tracks that humans would see. Just to take one at a time pray from their tank. If I recall correctly even killer wailes have been taking down human boats. In conclusion there are for Shure aquatic predators that use genuine strategy. Granted with my killer waile example is a similar case of is it strategy or instinct.
Good point, not sure the the strategizing octopi will be a major concern for this crossing tho. I guess you're never really save from those devious creatures..
Wait aren't you a bot?
Fixed it, thx!
After seeing an aerial view of an African wild dog hunt, a coyote hanging out by a bottleneck doesn't seem outlandish. (here)
I don't imagine it would be a major problem though maybe it would let them get one or two easy meals but predators don't hunt unless they're hungry. So once they've taken down one prey animal they'll ignore the rest. On a species level it's probably not a major issue.
As opposed to roads which will kill lots of animals.