eli5: How do baby animals like jaguar cubs and fox pups know to wait for their mom when she goes out hunting without wandering away from the den and getting lost?

Question

eli5: How do baby animals like jaguar cubs and fox pups know to wait for their mom when she goes out hunting without wandering away from the den and getting lost?

In: Biology

Answer 1

The den is heavily embedded with the mother’s scent and they have their siblings to keep them company. They will generally only head out if they get hungry enough. The mother will also train them to stay in the den.