I once saw a fox on top of a sheep. The fox was attacking the larger animal and the sheep was lying on the ground frozen, doing nothing to save itself. I shot the fox off the top, the sheep got up and walked away.
I explain the behaviour as not ascribing human tendencies to animals (anthropomorphism) but animals do have personalities. This sheep had a personality that precluded it from saving itself. It had given up and was being eaten alive. Others have more spirit and will attempt to escape.
I agree that some species are predisposed to certain behaviour, in the same way certain dog breeds are to a degree predictable. Add to that a unique personality and we realize the variety of responses when attacked. Most of the animals I hunt attempt to flee. Occasionally, mainly large males will charge you. We have all seen different behaviours as they die. Surely some of this is down to personality, or at least a deliberate decision by the animal.
I explain the behaviour as not ascribing human tendencies to animals (anthropomorphism) but animals do have personalities. This sheep had a personality that precluded it from saving itself. It had given up and was being eaten alive. Others have more spirit and will attempt to escape.
I agree that some species are predisposed to certain behaviour, in the same way certain dog breeds are to a degree predictable. Add to that a unique personality and we realize the variety of responses when attacked. Most of the animals I hunt attempt to flee. Occasionally, mainly large males will charge you. We have all seen different behaviours as they die. Surely some of this is down to personality, or at least a deliberate decision by the animal.
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