Do animals understand human kindness? Does social awareness translate across species?
Do Animals Understand Human Kindness?
- Thread starter Ken Anderson
- Start date
Do animals understand human kindness? Does social awareness translate across species?
Ed Delabama
Active member
Good morning to all-
It has been my experience that wild animals do not, in fact, understand human kindness.
I've released wild animals trapped by mistake in live traps set for other critters. No sign of gratitude from any- just a strong desire to get away.
We feed wild bird year-round, and the birds show up for food, but they express no sort of gratitude or even much recognition of the source of the food. No matter, we enjoy them for what they are.
In my considerable experience, what wild animals want most from humans is to be left alone and not be bothered.
Now, dogs and cats and even livestock- that's different. Most domesticated critters understand very clearly where the Alpo or kitty treats or feed in the trough comes from. And how do they express gratitude? by demanding more...
you all be safe and keep well- Ed
It has been my experience that wild animals do not, in fact, understand human kindness.
I've released wild animals trapped by mistake in live traps set for other critters. No sign of gratitude from any- just a strong desire to get away.
We feed wild bird year-round, and the birds show up for food, but they express no sort of gratitude or even much recognition of the source of the food. No matter, we enjoy them for what they are.
In my considerable experience, what wild animals want most from humans is to be left alone and not be bothered.
Now, dogs and cats and even livestock- that's different. Most domesticated critters understand very clearly where the Alpo or kitty treats or feed in the trough comes from. And how do they express gratitude? by demanding more...
you all be safe and keep well- Ed