In The Long Dark, interaction with wildlife is a central part of survival. A wide variety of animals exist on Great Bear Island, including terrestrial, aquatic, and avian species. The behaviour of the animals is somewhat unnatural, which is attributed to the aurora.
Fish
There are fish that inhabit the waters of several regions. Interaction with fish is limited to the fishing game mechanic, which can only occur in specific, set locations; fish can never actually be seen swimming. The fish species include the smallmouth bass, coho salmon, lake whitefish, and rainbow trout.
Animals
Prey
Prey animals, such as deer and rabbits will flee when startled by the player. However, moose will not flee when startled and will attack if provoked enough. All prey animals have randomized routes to roam around regions.
Predators
Predatory animals include wolves and bears, which generally travel along fixed routes. However, predators will hunt prey (including the player) that enters their detection radius. Bears will ignore prey animals, but may stalk and charge the player. Wolves will hunt the player, as well as rabbits and deer. If a predator attacks the player, a scripted struggle scene will ensue ( though the player can only fight back during wolf attacks not bear attacks ). Predators will not attack the player on the Pilgrim difficulty unless provoked.
All animals can be hunted to obtain meat, hides, and guts, and will eventually respawn after being killed. However, the respawn rate can be delayed temporarily if the player aggressively hunts down animals in a certain area.
Birds
Crows fly overhead and do not interact directly with the player, however they are valuable for signaling events and locations. Crows will circle over frozen corpses and large animal carcasses, and will occasionally drop crow feathers. Crows flying in formation in a straight path across a region can signal a change in weather.
Other bird species can be heard calling during certain times of day, however, no other birds besides crows are ever visible.
Trivia
- All animals will respawn a few days after killing, depending the frequency of deaths. More deaths, longer respawn time.
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| Fish |
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| Animals |
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