How I spent My 81 Day Time Out - Part 2: Wild Asses Licked My Car

[2naSalit]

36. Well, they certainly are sentient beings

The trick in "looking" at an animal is what I came to call the "nonaggressive stance". Basically, when you are in the proximity of any domestic or non-predator wild animal, simply relax, tilt your head a little to one side and slowly blink while looking at them. When I was learning to do this it was learning to not frighten deer, it works... even helps relax shelter animals. The bison want to know you are not a predator they need t react to.

Predators are another story, they will look directly at you and not blink, don't return the gaze, slightly turn your head to the side, up to 45 degrees, and slowly back away from them, standing your ground or looking directly at them - especially bears - will be interpreted by the animal as a challenge to fight.

Tacit understanding when you live in the wild.