Scent marking

Scent marking is the placement of chemical signals in the environment to convey information to other animals. Marks can signal identity, territory, reproductive status, or presence.

Pheromone: A chemical signal released by an organism that alters the behavior or physiology of another member of its species. Some scent marks contain pheromones that elicit specific responses from animals detecting them.
Territoriality: The defense or exclusive use of an area by an individual or group. Territorial animals use marks to announce occupancy and sometimes deter intruders.
Gray wolf: A large, social canid native to much of the Northern Hemisphere. Wolves use urine and other marks to communicate territory and social information.
Alarm pheromone: A chemical signal that prompts defensive or escape behavior in members of the same species. Unlike many persistent marks, alarm pheromones often signal immediate danger.
Urine marking: The deliberate deposition of urine as a chemical signal, often used to communicate identity or territorial presence. Urine is a common scent-marking medium, especially among mammals.
Territorial scent marking: The placement of chemical marks to advertise or defend an animal's territory. This is the territorial function of scent marking in its clearest form.
Domestic cat: A small domesticated feline species that communicates through vocal, visual, and chemical signals. Cats deposit facial and other scent marks on objects and familiar places.
Trail pheromone: A chemical signal deposited along a route to guide other members of a species toward a destination. Trail signals guide movement along paths rather than primarily advertising identity or status.
Glandular secretion: A substance released by a gland, including oils and other chemicals that can carry social signals. Many animals use secretions from specialized glands to leave marks.
Mate choice: The process by which an animal's traits influence its success in attracting or being accepted by potential mates. Scent marks can reveal traits that affect mate assessment.

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