Ever The Lone One

Bush dog (Speothos venaticus) at Prague zoo.

Because so many of you apparently had never heard of these little guys, I thought I'd post another picture, with some additional info this time. ( Source )

The bush dog is a canid found in Central and South America. In spite of its extensive range, it is very rare in most areas except in Suriname, Guyana, and Peru. It is the only living species in the genus Speothos, and genetic evidence suggests that its closest living relative is the maned wolf.

Bush dogs are carnivores and hunt during the day. Their typical prey are pacas, agouti, and capybaras, all large rodents. Although they can hunt alone, bush dogs are usually found in small packs. The dogs can bring down much larger prey, including peccaries and rheas, and a pack of six dogs has even been reported hunting a 250 kg (550 lb) tapir. When hunting paca, part of the pack chases it on land, and part wait for it in the water, where it often retreats. They are aided by partially webbed toes, which allow them to swim more efficiently.

Packs consist of a single mated pair and their immediate kin, and have a home range of 3.8 to 10 square kilometers. Only one pair breed, while the other members of the pack are subordinate, and help with rearing and guarding any pups. Pack-mates keep in contact with frequent whines, perhaps because visibility is poor in the undergrowth where they typically hunt. While eating large prey, parents position themselves at either ends of the animal, making it easier for the pups to disembowel it.