Migration routes

[grizzly bear]

I have always wondered why animals like wildebeest travel in a zigzag line when travelling across land. Despite watching all the wildlife shows on TV I have never heard this mentioned. Any ideas?

Thnaks in advance.

[LazyGun]

This is only an idea, but I would imagine that it has to do with grazing whilst on the move. The mass migrations are not constant movement, but more of an amble with lots of rest stops, and the animals in question are usually large herbivores.... so I would imagine it has to do with
a/ conservation of energy - always find the least energy cost route
b/ food supply - along the lines of "ooh, look over there how nice and succulent the grass is" - so they will stray from side to side of the main line of march.

[heathfield]

If sheep, cows, or even you, wander across an open piece of countryside, you'll find you've all done the same as the wildebeest - even if you have a destination in mind.
In the past, pedlars and merchants did the same thing as they moved about the UK countryside, and it is one of the reasons for the otherwise unexplained bends in so many country roads.

[wildwood]

They pretty much follow the one in front so a path(s) is soon formed. I can't say I've noticed them zig-zagging, but the undulation of the land may deviate them from walking in a straight line.