The Speothos venaticus, commonly known as the Bush Dog, inhabits tropical and subtropical forests, wetlands, and savannas in Central and South America. Notable for its short legs, webbed feet, and dense, reddish-brown fur, it is a social animal that hunts in packs. Bush Dogs emit a distinctive whine, which helps pack communication, and they are highly adapted to aquatic environments, showcasing excellent swimming abilities.

Speothos venaticus, commonly known as the bush dog, is native to Central and South America. This species is found in countries including Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, and northern Argentina. They are most commonly found in lowland regions but can also inhabit areas up to 1,800 meters in elevation.

Bush dogs primarily inhabit tropical and subtropical forests, including rainforests and deciduous forests. They prefer dense, moist forests and are often found near bodies of water such as rivers and streams. The climate in their habitats is typically humid and warm, with significant rainfall throughout the year.

Bush dogs are carnivorous mammals that play a role as predators in their ecosystems. They are adapted to a semi-aquatic lifestyle, which is reflected in their webbed feet, aiding in swimming. Their predatory habits often involve hunting in packs, which allows them to prey on larger animals than themselves, such as capybaras and peccaries. They are integral to maintaining the balance of species in their habitats by controlling the populations of their prey.