Page 94 - Devotion Among Animals Revealing the Work of God

DEVOTION AMONG ANIMALS

Everything for the Young
Young animals are often born totally dependent on their par-
ents' care and protection. Creatures born blind or naked, unable to
hunt for themselves, will usually die of hunger or cold if not taken
care of and protected by their parents, or by other adult members of
the herd. However, animals act on God's inspiration and therefore,
feed and protect their young at any cost.

Protecting the Young from Dangers
When it comes to protecting their young, animals can be quite vi-
cious and dangerous. If they sense danger or come under attack, usu-
ally they prefer to flee the area with their young. But if not, they will
throw themselves at the attacker without hesitation. For example, birds

and bats are known to attack naturalists who remove their young from
82
their nests.
When hoofed animals like zebras are attacked, they split into
groups, gather their young into the center, and run for their lives. If cor-
nered, the adult members of the herd defend their foals bravely against
the predators.
When giraffes are attacked, they shelter their young under their
bodies and kick out at the attacker with their front legs. Antelopes and
deer are timid, nervous animals who choose to run if they have no
young to protect. But should foxes or wolves endanger their offspring,
they do not hesitate to use their sharp hoofs.
Smaller, weaker mammals prefer to conceal their young or take
their offspring somewhere safe in order to protect them. If they lack the
opportunity to do that, however, they can become very aggressive to
scare away any attacking predator. For example, the cottontail rabbit—
ordinarily a very timid animal—takes great risks to drive enemies
away from its young. If its young are attacked, it will run back and kick
out at the enemy with its powerful hind legs. This bravery is often
enough to drive even stronger predators away from its burrow. 83

92