We are lovers of dogs around here. They bring much joy and sometimes frustration to our lives. Duane might have the softest dogs in the state given how many baths they receive from the incessant need to roll in all things sticky and smelly.
If you are a dog mom or dad, you are likely familiar with zoomies – that frantic run looping around the yard at top speed. For the observer, it looks like a burst of pure joy. These explosions of activity are known as frenetic random activity periods (FRAPs). I definitely prefer calling them zoomies. They are a general indication of a high level of excitement, a way to release pent-up energy or alleviate stress. I know it alleviates my stress when I see a dog with zoomies.
Other critters like cats and bunnies experience zoomies. The stimuli might be different, but the sentiment is the same. But what about wild animals?
Honestly, I can’t say for sure. There are descriptions of African wild dogs, elephants, bears, hippos, and lions having zoomies in the wild and captivity. I’ve seen fawns darting around a field while their mother stands there observing the chaos. But there are no real scientific studies on zoomie behavior that I could find.
If we broaden zoomies to a type of play behavior, it changes the whole conversation. Play behavior is well-documented in many species – whale zoomies anyone? – and by young as well as adult animals – yes, even adult wolves play! I could get into the evolutionary role that play serves but why ruin it – young, old, cat, dog, human, or elephant – Playing is just plain fun!
Why all this talk about zoomies? We pulled a card from the trail camera last week and if I didn’t know better, I’d swear that this buck had a bout of the zoomies.
Zoomie or not, he looks like he’s having fun!
-Jeannine Fleegle
Wildlife Biologist
PA Game Commission
