Coys for the Hunt

Seek and you shall find, they say. I beg to argue, however, that the opposite produces better results. Perhaps it’s the act of searching that betrays the adventurer. He carries his intentions with a swagger, a gait that announces his presence; all the more for the prey to be wary and take evasive measures against the arrogant hunter. Stealth is the secret of every successful predator. It is what the prey can’t see that kills them. Discovery is from the peripheral, never head on.

In the wild, modus operandi’s couldn’t be more clear cut. Canines attack with full force, no stealth, and with only sheer numbers on their side. Announcing their attack with a snarl or laughing battle cry, with only the hope of heading dinner off their only driving force. Felines, however, are much more cunning. Armed with retractable claws and strategy, it takes much less to bring down the confounded wildebeest. Indeed the canines have the right idea, heading off the opponent, cornering from three sides. Excellence in execution belongs to the feline’s domain, doing so, with the addition of stealth. And as the prowl begins, one makes its presence known, and the hunt begins. As the prey is alerted the others pounce into action, closing all escape routes that the hapless prey has only begun to ponder. It’s an unfortunate fate for the fallen beast that just a few minutes ago was still relishing the bliss of an untormented life. As the felines feast, the canines will howl, hoping to pick off the few shreds of meat in the bones that remain.

It is the unfortunate order of life, as canines will always have their place below the preening rulers of the plains. Unless they learn stealth. Perhaps then they’ll be a force to reckon with.

And as for actively seeking prey, a certain tact is in order. Watch any show on Discovery Channel and be amazed at how each ant still walks foolishly by the praying mantis. It’s not like they can’t see a large green predator they. They just think it’s not a threat. Perhaps it’s its reverent appearance. Coy? Very. Stealthy? Without a doubt. Deadly? All of the time.