Which cue should be avoided to prevent signaling threat during initial contact?

Which cue should be avoided to prevent signaling threat during initial contact?

• A. Direct eye contact
• B. Low frequency, noisy growls
• C. Yelps
• D. The side

Answer: (A)

Direct eye contact can be interpreted as a threat or challenge by many animals during initial contact. Keeping your gaze soft or avoiding direct staring communicates calm, nonthreatening intent and helps the animal feel safer as you approach. When you approach from the side and let the animal orient to you at its own pace, you reduce the chances of triggering a defensive reaction. The other cues aren’t what to avoid because a growl or a yelp is a signal the animal is already uncomfortable and warning you, and approaching from the side is actually a safer, nonthreatening posture.

Direct eye contact can be interpreted as a threat or challenge by many animals during initial contact. Keeping your gaze soft or avoiding direct staring communicates calm, nonthreatening intent and helps the animal feel safer as you approach. When you approach from the side and let the animal orient to you at its own pace, you reduce the chances of triggering a defensive reaction. The other cues aren’t what to avoid because a growl or a yelp is a signal the animal is already uncomfortable and warning you, and approaching from the side is actually a safer, nonthreatening posture.