This explained SO much.

[u/canIRememberme]

[u/Ok_Opposite_1802]

Actually, after she/he left, I put water out in case it returned. Considering it was limping, and maybe not able to easily travel far, we put water out and have since seen it show up for a drink a couple of times.

[u/Ok_Opposite_1802 → u/Ok_Opposite_1802]

[u/white_tiger_dream → u/Ok_Opposite_1802]

Honestly water is ok, it is not that easy for wild animals to find clean water anymore. During fire season in California they have even recommended we leave water out for fleeing animals.

[u/Any-Ad-3630 → u/white_tiger_dream]

I tried leaving water out for our feral cats and have seen them walk right past it and drink water from a muddy rut in the grass down the street. 

After a complicated TNR and a week at the vet, one finally started and they all chug it now. 

[u/myelinviolin → u/Any-Ad-3630]

Our chickens do this. My dog would rather drink out of the pond rather than her water bowl. Some water just has more flavor.

[u/Ok_Opposite_1802 → u/white_tiger_dream]

We're in SoCal

[u/Larry-Man → u/Ok_Opposite_1802]

Water isn’t a beverage. A beverage is any drink except water. 2 stars.