across the graWe were busy watching a herd of wild water buffalo in an open grassland in the late afternoss were two small dog-like animals that blended in so well we had to blink to be sure they were there.  The Golden Jackal Canis aureus is usually nocturnal, and may hunt alone or in packs to take down Chital deer.  How lucky we were to see these shy, wily creatures on our day-time visit to the park.  Visitors who sleep at one of the park bungalows may hear the jackals calling as they gather in packs for hunting.  Jackals are opportunistic hunters taking mammals, insects, birds, frogs, small deer and carrion.