Hunting for insight: an analysis of hunting behaviors in mice

Behaviors revolving around the acquisition of food resources are complex and crucial processes for many organisms. Hunting is an especially interesting behavior, which involves complex cognitive and social behaviors. In order to study rudimentary hunting behaviors in a controlled setting a model organism that is apt for laboratory work, is required. Up until now, there has not been an organism in which one could feasibly study hunting behaviors. The Gregg lab has recently discovered that laboratory mice have the innate capacity and drive to hunt crickets. This cognizance incited our study of hunting behaviors in mice.