GOOD BOY!

Animals can be very territorial.

Often, big animals retreat when smaller animals aggressively protect their turf.

Or, in this case, protect their family.

In the video below you'll see a golden retriever protect his boy by chasing a black bear away.

First, you'll see the dog chasing the bear. Then the video rewinds so you can see the boy, then watch the chase again.

The black bear is not interested in putting up a fight.

He could easily take the dog, but he won't try.

It's not his territory.

A brave golden retriever a black bear out of a to protect a young boy playing in his yard in Sherman, Connecticut. (USA TODAY).

If you think that's something, check out the next video.

Many animals are territorial. They defend resources more efficiently if they have staked out a space of their own.

Animals learn the boundaries and owners of adjacent territories, which reduces the need for conflict.

They also protect members of their own herd or pack.

That includes domesticated animals like dogs, protecting their family yard and their humans.

Barking at everyone that comes near your yard, from family members, comes from a dog's wolf ancestors and centuries of breeding, which means that dogs instinctively know when a human child is in need of care.

"Pretty, an 11-year-old Golden Retriever, defends his home from an Alaskan grizzly bear."

 

In this case, the bear gets in close but eventually gives into the dog's relentless barking and moves on.

The bear could have easily taken the dog down, but, once again, that's where territory comes into play.

The bear would not be sure if there is more than one dog, or perhaps humans to provide backup.

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