Thought everyone understood that wild animals can be dangerous, but mostly hide or run away.
Only laid eyes on a panther once. It had checked me out ahead of time, utterly ignored me. Only seen one gator that wasn’t hauling ass away from my canoe or kayak. Saw a mama black bear with tiny babies galumphing along behind as she ran off. Went back the next day, couldn’t see her, but I heard the warning! Water moccasins hiss and pitch a fit, run away. You’d have to be deaf and step on one. (I’ve come close!)
Then you got people like my wife. She went to meet me at the trail entrance the other night, saw a small animal cross the path, got spooked and ran back to her car. Daughter and I saw a roll of teenage armadillos, up close! My wife asked if they would attack us.
Wife’s friend came over from England. She was choking down panic and the sun set on our camp in the swamp. I assured her that speaking in a normal tone of voice would scare anything away. Never been in wild woods and never at night!
I’ve had people online act like I’m an idiot for getting into the uncivilized places I often go. Many people here in NW Florida won’t go on the water unless it’s a large body and in a large boat. They think I’m going to get attacked in my kayak.
So, what’s your perception of the animals where you live? Do you think the people in your area feel the same?
Depends on the animal and the time of year.
Is it a large animal with young? Is it a territorial animal in rutting season? Do I have smelly food on me?
For the most part you can take precautions that prevent dangerous animals (in these parts) from getting close, so if they ignored those precautions then there is another factor involved and yes I’m scared. Moose, large cats, bears, wolves, etc.
Some other animals can communicate disease, so I’m scared of them if they get into my tent or something.
But other than that, mainly not afraid, or I at least recognize the fear as irrational.
Thankfully around here all the dangerous animals mostly want to stay away (no polar bears or cougars), and are easy to see (no venomous snakes, spiders, or, again, cougars)
I’m still scared of accidentally getting between a momma bear and a cub or something, though.