Bush Dogs at Knowsley Safari

A bush dog looks like a miniature bear, although it’s actually a member of the canid family. These small carnivores have short legs and long, reddish hair.

The reason for a decline in population is unknown, however it’s most likely caused by human encroachment. The destruction of rainforests is also a contributing factor.

Bush dogs are also called Savannah dogs as they are found in forests and wet savannahs of Central and South America. They inhabit lowland forests and flooded areas, as well as open savannahs and open plains.

Bush dogs can usually live up to 10 years in captivity, however their longevity in the wild is unknown.

They can reach 20-30cm in height and 57-75cm in length. Their tails are usually 5 inches long.

Bush dogs hunt large rodents in groups, such as paca and agouti. Solitary hunters take on smaller rodents, including snakes, lizards and birds. Larger groups of bush dogs also occasionally eat larger prey, like capybaras, which is much larger than a lone bush dog.

They squeal, whine and growl - almost like a high-pitched screech. Within the social group of the bush dog, there is a hierarchy based on age, pair-bonds, physical condition and sexual state. These vocal signs are used to claim territory, ward of aggressors and communicate with each other.

They cooperate in a pack to hunt down their prey. Half of the group will flush out the prey on land, while the others wait in the water to ambush. Working together, they’ll kill their prey with sharp incisors and strong molars.

Yes! Bush dogs live in social groups of up to 12 individuals. They are social creatures, living together, sleeping close to each other, hunting and feeding together and following each other around their habitat. Packs consist of just one mating pair whilst the other adults assist in the rearing of up to 6 pups at a time.

They sure are. They have partially webbed feet which make them strong swimmers, as well as stopping them from sinking in the mud in woodlands.