Fossas are fierce cat-like predators that spend their days hunting lemurs and other prey from tree to tree. They are agile and tough, and with their sharp retractable claws and long powerful tail, they are definitely not an animal to be taken lightly. But what about young fossas? While they might not be quite as dangerous, they definitely make up for it with their knack for mischief.
This photographer had to learn that the hard way. After placing a camera on the ground and surrounding it with a few leaves and sticks to disguise it, the camera was left to fend for itself and see what kind of wildlife it could see. And baby fossas were the first things to come into frame.
After a bit of inspection, the fossas tentatively approach the camera. They sniff and sniff and get as close to the lens as possible. A few times they get spooked ant seem to run away.
Just as it looks like the fossas are done investigating and playing with the camera, one of them pops back into the frame.
Then, the more daring of the two actually grabs the lanyard and runs away with the camera!
Watch the full video below:
With semiretractable claws and a strong tail that is as long as its body, fossas are feared by any animal that crosses its path. However, its favorite meal is small to medium sized predators.
You know it has to be a good predator if it is able to actually catch lemurs, which are known to have extreme agility in getting from tree to tree.
A relative of the mongoose, the fossa is a member of the Eupleridae family.
While about half of its diet consists of lemurs, it has also been known to eat rodents, lizards, birds and other animals.
To learn more, watch this cool video from Animal Planet all about the fossa below:
