The answer is mutualism.
Specifically, coyotes and badgers are often found hunting together during the summer.
Quick coyotes can chase down fleeing animals, while badgers can go after prey that burrow underground.
Photo: Kimberly Fraser, USFWS
It’sbeen shownthat by working in tandem, both species are more successful hunters than if they went it alone.
Of course, this doesn’t mean that they always work together.
For instance, during the winter, badgers can find prey more easily.
Photo: Kimberly Fraser, USFWS
And even throughout the summer, it’s not unusual to see a coyote or a badger hunting alone.
The relationship isn’t exclusive and both species are known to hunt without the other around.
Coyotes and badgers are often seen hunting together in a show of beneficial mutualism.
Photo: Kimberly Fraser, USFWS
Coyotes can run down prey, while badgers can follow animals underground.
A wildlife camera recently caught this unique friendship in the Bay Area.
This odd couple is often seen hunting together in national parks across the United States.
h/t: [U.S.
