Arctic Fox and Snowy Owl ‘Playing Together’ in the Snow Has People Captivated
Sometimes, the most unexpected animals become friends...even animals that are normal rivals of each other. @National Geographic shared a video on Facebook in mid-December of this exact thing happening, and I could watch it all day!
The video was shot at the edge of the tundra in northern Canada and shows a beautiful arctic fox and snowy owl together in the snow. It appears that the two animals are playing, as they run and circle each other but don't seem to be fighting or trying to hurt each other. Normally these two predators would fight over food, like lemmings. Not only that, but they'll also fight over territory. National Geographic explains that while the two will go to battle over those things, injuries to them are unlikely to be fatal. So the big question is, are these two fighting or are they playing?
What do you think? To me, it looks like the arctic fox is just annoying the snowy owl, so I think they're playing. They are not attacking each other or trying to get away from each other...except the one time the owl flew away but not very far away. Then again, maybe the fox is just trying to get the owl out of his territory. It is winter, and food is scarce. It would make sense that he wouldn't want to share!
Related: Moment Wildlife Photographer Earns the Trust of Fox Babies Is Truly Magical
@National Geographic commenters didn't necessarily agree that it looks like the pair was playing. @Margaret Kumma shared, "The owl is defending itself. Clearly not playing." @Jerry Goldner pointed out, "The fox is hungry!" to which another replied, "It seems the owl will win the fight". Another commenter said, "They aren’t playing. It seems it’s a power fight -the one who is stronger and smarter wins the fight".
Unlikely Animal Friendships
I love stumbling across TikToks of unlikely friendships between animals. Like this friendship between a cat and a parrot...those two should be rivals not besties! Then there's the Golden Retriever who made friends with a deer; how does that even happen? Drew Barrymore shared her unlikely pet friends - her cat and bearded dragon. These French bulldog and chicken besties crack me up too!
I'm not sure how these friendships happen, but I'm glad they do. It's always a breath of fresh air to see happy unexpected surprises like this, and they always make my day when I find them.
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