When it comes to the wild, eye contact does not imply interest, friendliness, or even curiosity, but can be a sign of threat, domination, or even challenge. Although human beings utilize eye contact to show interest or confidence, most animals take a direct stare as aggressive. Wildlife professionals tend to emphasize the fact that it is possible to avoid harmful situations by ignoring eye contact and being able to de-escalate the tensed atmosphere. It is vital to understand the kind of behavior exhibited by animals in order to be safe particularly when traveling, hiking or residing near animals. The following are 12 wild beasts that you must never stare them in their eyes- and the reasons behind this.
Gorillas
Direct eye contact is regarded as a challenge among the gorillas. Even when an animal appeared to be peaceful to begin with, a stare can be met with a defensive response or an aggressive response.
Chimpanzees
Chimpanzees are very expressive and socially complicated. Eye contact may be understood as power or aggression which may cause violent reactions.
Lions
Eye contact is assumed as a sign of danger in the cat species. A lion might interpret a direct stare as competition and this might lead to a dangerous situation.
Tigers
Tigers are very dependent on sight. Eye-locking may cause a predatory or defensive response particularly when the animal feels threatened.
Bears
Direct eye contact might be taken as aggression. Wildlife safety precautions usually suggest that one turns their back and watch the bear but still be conscious of the actions it takes.
Wolves
Dominance is created through eye contact in wolf social organization. Staring can make wolves feel unprotected and they can harm you.
Mountain Gorillas
Mountain gorillas are highly sensitive to eye contact even within species of gorillas. To express non-threatening behavior, the rangers encourage visitors to look down.
Jaguars
Jaguars are stealth hunters. Eye contact can make them feel vulnerable or threatened and they can begin to defend themselves.
Leopards
Just as it is in other large cats, leopards take eye contact as a sign of confrontation. Threat can be perceived by avoiding a direct gaze.
Bison
Bison may also respond aggressively though this is mistaken to being passive. Direct eye contact could increase their feeling of being challenged.
Elephants
Elephants are smart and understand their feelings. This can be achieved by long eye-contact, which makes them feel threatened and particularly when they are defending their group.
Crocodiles
The crocodiles are very territorial. By maintaining eye contact, the awareness and challenge can be communicated, and this can cause immediate defensive behavior.
