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You won't believe this unexpected animal playdate caught on video

In a rare and heartwarming display, the Northern Ontario resident captured an extraordinary moment in her backyard

This week as part of our Village Wild video series, we're featuring a wild video submitted to us by Carolina from Sault Ste. Marie.

In a rare and heartwarming display, the Northern Ontario resident captured an extraordinary moment in her backyard—a coyote and a lynx engaged in what seems to be playful antics, defying the conventional norms of predator behaviour.

The video showcases the two wild creatures engaging in a surprising display of curiosity and proximity. While typically viewed as competitors in the food chain, the coyote and lynx seem to have set aside their differences to engage in an unexpected playdate (well, at least the coyote is).

"It's honestly a wild kingdom in my backyard," the Sault resident told Village Life in an email. "We have had porcupines, fox, coyote, bears and lots of deer. We have so many stories. My backyard backs into a ravine, so most of the wildlife in our neighbourhood comes from my yard. It has been super fun to watch through the years."

Interactions between coyotes and lynxes are exceedingly rare, as both species usually maintain a cautious distance from one another. 

Coyotes, adaptable creatures found throughout North America, are known for their intelligence and resourcefulness. In contrast, the lynx, characterized by its distinctive tufted ears and dense fur, is a skilled predator specialized in hunting snowshoe hares in the forests of Northern Ontario.

Beyond the heartwarming display of friendship, this encounter provides a fascinating glimpse into the behaviour and social dynamics of these. While experts emphasize that such interactions may be rare, they highlight the importance of preserving natural habitats to allow for the flourishing of diverse wildlife populations.

The video serves as a reminder of the unpredictability and beauty of the natural world, where even the most unlikely friendships can blossom in the heart of the Canadian wilderness, and beyond.

How to Participate in Village Wild: Video of the month

Submitting your entry is easy. Simply fill out the submission form and upload your video or add a link to the video along with a brief description.

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Each month, our Village Life team will randomly select and announce a Video of the Month award winner. The user who submitted the video will receive a gift card as a token of appreciation for sharing their unique footage with our readers.