Zigzag appears to be a sign of arousal, a displacement activity, or a social signal, depending on the context under which it is described. In either case it seems to indicate conflict between approaching and withdrawing from a particular stimulus.

This behavior is mostly observed in wild populations of mice at established territorial boundaries, and typically precedes tail rattling. In the home cage this behavior may not be observed due to the inability to map out clear territorial boundaries. 

Description

A special gait often accompanied by short parade steps combined with piloerection. Usually this behavior starts and stops in a definite place. The mouse may move back and forth in front of an intruder, typically along a territorial boundary.

Classification

Miscellaneous Behaviors

Contexts

Has been described under multiple contexts.

Variants

None