Sheep Marching in a Circle for 12 Days Straight in China Raises Concern and Speculation

A herd of sheep was observed in China walking a path that forms a circle nonstop for 12 days. The topic's popularity on the internet sparked worry and rumors.

It appears that the mystery surrounding a herd of sheep that was captured on camera in China pacing, reportedly nonstop in a circular pattern for 12 days has been solved.

The phenomenon, which was documented on camera and shared on Twitter by the Chinese state-run People's Daily, depicts sheep in Inner Mongolia, in the Northern part of China, walking in a circle. Most of the sheep in the pen, can be seen engaging in the behavior, some of them, however, are not engaging in the activity.

Sheep Instinct

Because of their social instinct, which tells them to follow the animal in front of them to fend off predators and protect group members, sheep are known to mimic the behaviors of their flock mates. But what is particularly strange is that they move in such synchronized movements for so long.

One explanation has been provided by Matt Bell, a Hartpury University professor and the head of the Department of Agriculture.

Since November 4, the sheep have been acting in this manner, according to a Chinese news source. It is unknown whether the animals stopped periodically for food or water or whether they are still moving as of November 21. The animals had been moving in this manner for at least 12 days.

According to Ms. Miao, the farm's owner, initially, only a small number of sheep were acting in this way; however, over time, the entire flock began to imitate them, the UK newspaper Metro reported.

Miao has 34 pens where she keeps her sheep, but only one flock, in one pen, has been acting oddly, New York Post reports.

Frustration or Disease?

According to Bell in an interview with Newsweek, it appears that the sheep are kept in the pen for extended periods, which could result in stereotyped behavior, such as the repeated circling caused by frustration at being confined to the pen and having limited movement options. Not good at all. Then, because sheep are flock animals, they unite or join their friends, and the other sheep join.

Some experts attribute the behavior to listeriosis, a bacterial illness also known as "circling disease," according to the experts.

With just one disease symptom, the bacteria can infect sheep through the soil, food, and feces. Other symptoms include anorexia, depression, and poor coordination.

Although listeriosis can cause circling in animals, recovery is uncommon and the effects of the disease wear off quickly. Since the illness typically results in death within two days, it cannot be the cause of the sheep's prolonged circling, Newsweek reports.

General Sheep Behavior

Since they are a species of prey, sheep can only escape their predator by running away. Sheep exhibit an intensely gregarious social instinct that enables them to form close bonds with other sheep and give preference to members of their own flock. People who practice flock mentality movements are protected from predators.

A flock consists of many females, some young, and one or more males. Ewes tend to live their entire lives in their maternal groups, whereas rams can form erratic, unstable, and quickly disbanded bachelor herds. The remaining rams join another group if the majority of the rams in one group pass away from diseases or fights. Unlike cattle, where social hierarchies are readily apparent, sheep typically graze in loose groups.

In groups of four or more, flock dynamics can be seen in the willingness of the members to follow a leader or to flee together. Even a ewe may charge or make a threat by stomping her hooves if escape is not possible. Being separated from the flock may result in anxiety and stress, MSD Manual - Veterinary Manual reports.