Bonding guide
Bonding behaviors occur between maternal females and their offspring. Otherwise, males attempting to travel and bond with a female. Occasionally, coalition males may also engage in affiliative behaviors. Outside of these dynamics, bonding is prohibited.
Maternal Bonding Behaviors:
- (2), (3), and (6) calling.
- Close proximity & resting together.
- Dam engaging in protective behavior.
- Guiding cubs to the den or safety.
- Cubs becoming familiar of the dam's scent.
- Mutual grooming & play behaviors.
General Bonding Behaviors:
- (2), (3,) and (6) calling.
- Close-range proximity.
- Resting together briefly.
- Occasional grooming behavior.
- Mutual trailing and home-range building.
Pair bonding can be performed when a male is attempting to invite a female into their group.
There is no claiming or forced interaction during invitations. Below will feature a guide to refusing, accepting, or considering an invitation. PSA: all bonds are temporary and must end after a period of 3 sessions.
Male Invitation Guide:
Male Smilodon can invite a female through a series of vocalizations, posturing, and soft approaches. To directly invite a female, (2) groan call twice, followed by a (3) chuff call. You may also just invite them to a group.
Impressive Interactions:
- Avoiding pressure or crowding.
- Demonstrating hunting competence.
- Showing confidence without aggression.
- Persistent but respectful trailing.
- Maintaining calm and slow movements.
- Males may use soft vocalizations and allow scent-based assessment from both individuals.
