Research on the Ethology and Diet of the Stray Dog Population in the Areas Bordering the Municipality of Suceava, Romania

SIMPLE SUMMARY: The population of stray dogs is increasing worldwide, and its management has given rise to ecological, social-economic and ethical problems. In addressing this problem, this study aims to determine the behaviour of stray dogs on the outskirts of a heavily anthropized area, as well as the type/nature of the food consumed. The study highlights the fact that this population of stray dogs thrive in areas that provide them with shelter and food. Additionally, the predatory behaviour of stray dogs is demonstrated, including behaviour similar to that of related wild species (such as the jackal and wolf). The analysis shows the opportunistic nature of the dogs’ feeding, but also their obvious preference for food of animal origin (meat). This kind of regional analysis could be corroborated in order to identify technical and ethical solutions aiming to minimize the negative economic and ecological impacts of stray dogs on human society and the environment. ABSTRACT: This paper analyses aspects of the ethology and feeding of stray dogs in the areas bordering the city of Suceava and the nearby towns. The study area is located in the hunting grounds (HG), which are managed by the “Ștefan cel Mare” University in Suceava. Between October 2017 and April 2022, the behaviour and the types of food consumed by stray dogs captured in the outskirts of the localities in the study area were analysed. A sample of 183 stray dogs were used for the study, and the analysis established the distribution and density of the dogs in the free-range area compared to the density of the wild animals of hunting interest. The tracks and travel routes of the stray dogs were highlighted. Areas where packs of feral dogs camp were also identified. Observations were made of the individual and social behaviours of the dogs, their gregariousness and the way in which they hunt. The types of food consumed were analysed for each specimen. Through the collected and analysed data, the opportunistic predatory behaviour of the stray dogs was highlighted. Thus, stray dogs revert to the typical wild canid ways of behaving. As for food, our results showed the dogs’ predilection for meat, both wild and domestic. On the other hand, the diet of roaming dogs is much more varied compared to that of wild canids. This is due to the fact that the way in which domestic dogs feed has changed over thousands of years as a result of living alongside humans.