Parrying is a form of aggressive behavior that typically occurs in response to a territorial threat. It usually occurs at territorial boundaries if another mouse attempts to enter a established territory.    

Description

While positioned in elevated crouch or in submissive upright alternated kicking with the forepaws often accompanied by squeaking occurs. This is often combined with a small retreating movement of the body, however, the animal will remain in its place. Two forms of this are parrying forward and sideways. In the sideways act a hind leg may also be used for kicking.

Classification

Aggressive Behaviors

Contexts

Agonistic interactions can occur in the context of territorial behavior, and/or dominance behavior.  Territorial behavior and dominance behavior differ in both the context that they occur, the resources under competition, and the threat behavior that initiates the interaction.

Variants

None