Top 12 Animals That Get Scared Easily: Their Fear Response
Animals, like humans, have different personalities and temperaments. Animals also have feelings so that they can get depressed, anxious, and scared. Some animals are known for their bravery, while others are known for their skittishness. In this Post, we will explore some animals that get scared easily.
A Look on Scared Animals
#1 The Fearful Deer: High Alert for Dangers
Deer are known to be easily frightened and will run at the slightest sound or movement. They have evolved to be on high alert for potential dangers, including predators, humans, loud noises, and unfamiliar objects. One unique fact about deer is that they have eyes at the side of their heads, giving them a panoramic view of their surroundings. It allows them to spot predators from almost any direction.
#2 Cats: From Confidence to Frightening
Cats are generally known for their confidence and independence but can also be easily scared. At the same time, some cats may be more easily frightened than others, with unfamiliar surroundings and potential threats such as predators or other animals. Providing them with a safe and secure environment to thrive is essential.
There is also a story about a cat named Sable who was so frightened by the sound of fireworks that she ran away from her owner’s house and got lost. Sable was missing for several days, but thanks to her owner’s efforts and a dedicated group of volunteers, she was eventually found and safely returned home.
#3 Dog: Thriving on Routine and Familiarity
Dogs are social animals and thrive on routine and familiarity, so sudden change can be overwhelming and scary. To help ease their anxiety, providing a calm and structured environment, along with plenty of love and attention, is essential. Introducing them to their new surroundings and routine can also help them feel more comfortable and secure.
Small dogs are often known for their nervousness and skittishness but can also be brave and loyal companions. With patience and understanding, dogs can adjust to their new home and be happy, well-adjusted family members.
#4 Pigeons: Prey Animals Exposed to Human Activity
Pigeons are often considered a nuisance but can also be easily scared. They are prevalent in domesticated regions and cities alike. In addition, they are exposed to human activity, but despite this, they are still susceptible to human fear.
One unique fact about pigeons is that they have an incredible sense of direction and can find their way home from hundreds of miles away. Additionally, pigeons are prey animals and may be targeted by predators such as hawks and cats, which can trigger their fear response.
#5 Rabbits: Freeze or Bolt as a Survival Mechanism
Another easily startled species is the rabbit, which relies on its sharp hearing to identify potential danger. When rabbits sense danger, they may become scared and try to escape as their basic survival mechanism kicks in. If they perceive a threat, rabbits will freeze or bolt, hoping to avoid detection. That is a normal and healthy behavior for rabbits that helps them avoid potential harm.
#6 Monkeys: Brilliant Mammals
Monkeys are brilliant mammals but can be easily startled. This fear response is a survival mechanism that helps monkeys stay safe in their natural habitat. However, monkeys may also experience fear and anxiety in captivity due to the unnatural environment and lack of social interaction. It is important to understand the instincts and needs of monkeys and provide them with a safe and stimulating environment to promote their physical and mental well-being.
#7 Sheep: Docile Animals who Rely on Their Flock
Sheep are docile animals that are easily scared and rely on their flock to protect them from danger. One unique fact about sheep is that they have excellent memories and can recognize up to 50 faces of their flockmates. Additionally, sheep are prey animals and are often targeted by predators, such as wolves and coyotes, triggering their fear response.
There is also a story about a sheep named Shrek who became famous for evading capture for six years. Shrek escaped from his farm and spent six years living in the mountains before finally being caught and shorn of his thick wool.
#8 Duck: Animal who get Panicked
Ducks are easily scared and will take off in a panic if they feel threatened. One unique fact about ducks is that they have a particular type of waterproof feather, allowing them to float on the water without getting wet.
Ducks are also prey animals that are targeted by predators such as foxes and raccoons, triggering their fear response. Ducks may also be scared of humans due to past negative experiences or lack of socialization. Moreover, ducks crossing the road should never be approached since they may attack you or flee.
#9 Rodent: Strong Instinct Animal
Rats and mice are among the rodents that are also easily frightened. They have a strong instinct to avoid potential predators, and any sudden noise or movement can cause them to freeze or scurry away. That’s why traps and baits for rodents are often designed to be discreet and non-threatening. Additionally, rodents are prey animals and may be targeted by predators such as cats and snakes, which can trigger their fear response.
#10 Red Panda: Shy and Easily Scared Native Himalayan Animals
Red panda are shy and easily scared animals native to the Himalayas. Even tamed red pandas become hostile to their keepers and don’t like to interact with humans. There is also a story about a red panda named Rusty who escaped from the National Zoo in Washington, D.C.
Rusty managed to evade capture for several hours before finally being found and returned to his enclosure. Additionally, red pandas are prey animals and may be targeted by predators such as snow leopards and martens, which can trigger their fear response.
#10+1 Panda: Large, Gentle Animals with Protective Instincts
Pandas are large, gentle animals that get easily scared. While pandas may appear friendly to humans, they are still wild animals and have the instinct to protect themselves from potential threats. Female pandas may become scared or defensive when they perceive a threat to their cubs when unfamiliar animals or humans get too close. Additionally, pandas may experience fear and anxiety due to changes in their environment or routine.
It is important to approach pandas cautiously and respect their instincts and needs, even if they appear friendly. A safe and secure environment reduces stress and promotes pandas’ well-being in human care.
#10+2 Snake: Highly Sensitive Animal
Snakes are often feared by humans and misunderstood. In reality, they are highly sensitive animals and easily get scared. One unique fact about snakes is that they have a special type of skin that allows them to sense vibrations in the ground. Snakes have poor eyesight and can only sense their surroundings by their tongues and sounds, which helps them detect potential prey or predators.
When a snake perceives a potential threat, its instinct is to defend itself by displaying warning signs by producing sounds like hissing. Some species of snakes are more aggressive than others and may exhibit a defensive reaction more readily.
Why Do Animals Have a Natural Instinct to Get Scared?
Animals get scared as a natural survival instinct to protect themselves from threats. The instinct helps animals identify and respond to danger and also allows them to avoid predators and stay alive. Various factors can scare animals, including loud noises, sudden movements, unfamiliar surroundings or people, and certain situations.
Past negative experiences or lack of socialization can contribute to animal fear and anxiety. It’s essential to understand their need and respect their instincts. Providing a safe and secure environment helps to reduce stress and promote the well-being of animals.
Why Wild Animals are More Scared of Humans?
All animals living in the wild and not being domesticated usually fear humans because they haven’t seen humans yet. When Animals are scared of humans, they will run more quickly and know humans that can kill from a distance. E.g., deer will sprint from humans because they know they can kill them from afar. Additionally, animals have the instinct to protect themselves from potential threats, and humans can be sensed like them.
Humans often engage in activities that further frighten and stress wild animals, such as hunting, habitat destruction, etc.
On the other hand, domestic animals have been selectively bred for generations around humans. This makes them comfortable and provides positive experiences and socialization from a young age. But they also experience fear and anxiety around unfamiliar humans. It is important to approach animals cautiously and respect their instincts.
Read Continuously
Fear is an instinct that animals possess to protect themselves from potential threats or danger. Ultimately, by understanding and respecting the instincts of animals that gets scared easily, we can promote peaceful coexistence and a better understanding of the complex and beautiful world of the animal kingdom. Keep reading and keep learning.
