Introducing the Runt

Gallery: WildlifePosted June 19, 2016169 views7 comments

Here's another frame from my amazing encounter with a den of Painted Dogs (African Wild Dogs) in the Greater Kruger National Park area last year. In this frame, the runt of the litter (it was evident by how much smaller and rat-like he was compared to the 16 other puppies) is sniffed out proper for the first time by some of the lower-ranking canines in the pack.

Techs:
Nikon D3s
Nikkor 500mm f4 VR
f7.1 | 1/640 SS | ISO-3200
Pretty much full frame as posted

Comments

7 comments

Comment posted by John Tobias on June 20, 2016 at 9:36 AM

Shows this behavior very well. I like how you have an older dog on each side of the runt. Do you know if it made it? Thanks for sharing.

Registered on September 12, 2009, 2120 Posts, 6455 Comments

Comment posted by Richard Sandor on June 20, 2016 at 10:56 AM

Morkel: a real treat to see such a little dog. He/she is smaller than the muzzle of a full grown adult. Richard

Registered on January 12, 2014, 453 Posts, 1625 Comments

Comment posted by Ed Williams on June 22, 2016 at 6:34 PM

What a wonderful, precious little life Morkel. This is amazing for your to have been so close to capture this. Love his placement and your caption makes the point that this little one is front and center of attention.

Registered on December 28, 2010, 636 Posts, 3499 Comments

Comment posted by Raoul Breaux Jr on June 24, 2016 at 11:45 PM

An excellent behavioral image Morkel. Poor little guy, what a rough start to life. Hope it makes it.

Registered on April 27, 2016, 20 Posts, 142 Comments

Comment posted by Ingrid Vekemans on June 25, 2016 at 9:43 AM

That is definitely the smallest wild dog I've ever seen. Very cute! (that'll soon change enlightened

). What a great moment you've been allowed to witness. devil

Grt, Ingrid.

Registered on August 2, 2010, 138 Posts, 780 Comments

Comment posted by Brad Hill on June 26, 2016 at 8:56 AM

Hey Morkel,

This one brought a smile to my face...good cute factor. I'm left wondering what the two adult dogs are thinking as they check it out ("What the heck is this thing...and why is it so small?").

Cheers...

Brad

Registered on May 29, 2007, 431 Posts, 6061 Comments

Comment posted by Morkel Erasmus on July 4, 2016 at 4:10 PM

Thanks for your kind comments, folks...

Registered on March 22, 2011, 385 Posts, 2068 Comments