Critter Sensor

The Critter Sensor is a building that detects the presence and type of critters within its sensing range and outputs automation signals used to control ranching, breeding, and critter-related systems. It integrates into automation networks to enable automated responses such as opening pens, toggling feeders, routing critters via gates, or activating traps and environmental controls when particular critter species are present.

The sensor can distinguish among critter families and their variants, allowing automation to react to Hatches, Shine Bugs, Pokeshells, Shove Voles, Divergents and similar ranchable species. It does not directly interact with feeding mechanics; instead it provides binary or conditional signals that other buildings (doors, critter feeders, auto-sweepers, transport systems) use to perform tasks. Storing feed or moving feed items remains a Storage errand rather than a Supply errand, so automation tied to storage/feeder behaviors should account for the errand types.

Practical usage and behavior notes:

• Configure the sensor to target specific critter types so automation triggers only for desired animals (for example, trigger a gate open when a Hatch arrives to feed, but ignore Pip or Puft).
• Many critters live and move across different media and have distinct needs: some species feed from Critter Feeders while others do not. Hatches, Shine Bugs, Pokeshells, Shove Voles and Divergents use Critter Feeders; Pip, Drecko and Gassy Moo eat growing plants instead; Puft and Slickster breathe gas; Pacu use Fish Feeders; Morbs do not eat. Use these distinctions when wiring sensors to feeding schedules or breeding setups.
• Because critters can die from unsuitable temperature, pressure, or immersion in liquids, use automation from Critter Sensors to open escape routes or toggle environmental controls when heat or flooding risks appear; many critters avoid extreme temperatures and will try to leave hostile tiles.
• Ranching systems benefit from sensors that gate critters into breeding or feeding rooms only when needed: pairing Critter Sensors with doors, Atmo Sensors, and automation logic prevents overcrowding, controls mating cycles, and routes newborns or tames for processing.
• Place sensors to cover choke points or entry tiles where critters pass; they are most effective when positioned where desired actions should occur (doors, feeders, grooming stations).
• Keep in mind species-specific movement: most land critters can traverse solid tiles and open doors and can jump small gaps or steps, while some can stick to surfaces or are immune to drowning. Design pens and sensor placement to account for these movement traits so automation reliably catches or excludes certain animals.

Use the Critter Sensor as the automation backbone of any advanced ranching or critter-management setup to ensure precise, species-aware control without manual micro-management.