Why are some animals scary?

It’s finally October! In the lead up to the spookiest time of the year, and in celebration of World Animal Day, we wanted to explore why some animals are scary and others aren’t! Have you ever wondered why we find certain animals scary while others are just plain cute? From our natural instincts to spooky stories and horror films, there’s more to our animal fears than you might think. Join us as we explore why some creatures make us shudder, and discover how getting to know them a little better might just change the way we see them!

Why are some animals scary? 

Human adaptations, animal adaptations

Humans and animals alike have evolved over centuries to best survive in their habitats. This includes survival instincts for themselves and their families. We have an ingrained, genetic aversion to spiders, snakes, and other predator animals that could cause us harm because our ancestors learned to avoid them. We learnt that sharp teeth, claws, dark colours, and aggressive eyes are all warning signs that these animals may be unpredictable and possibly dangerous. Slimy animals, bugs, parasites, and pests can carry disease and sickness when found in the wild, so we also developed a disgust of them to keep ourselves safe.

On the other hand, we have also evolved to see certain traits as cute, usually the same ones present in human babies. Traits like large eyes, large heads, small limbs make us inherently more likely to want to protect them. Animals that don’t fit these criteria have the reverse effect, making us want to steer clear.

Unpredictability and anatomy

Animals may also be scary because of their difference to us. We all like predictability, knowing what to expect when encountering a new environment or animal. Some creatures, however, are hard to predict and the uncertainty is unnerving. Some spiders, for instance, use hydraulic pressure instead of muscles to move, which gives them a jerky movement. This leaves us feeling startled and unsure of where they are moving.

Humans are mammals, and mammals are social in ways that we understand and can predict. We can make eye contact with them and recognise body language like ours. This ability to get inside the minds of other animals makes them easier to interpret and less scary.  Other types of animals, like invertebrates, fish, and reptiles are less like us and thus harder to interpret.

Cultural conversation

One thing that can’t be denied is the effects of media and folklore. Over the years, we’ve created a whole belief system through scary stories, fairy tales, songs, horror movies, and more about what animals are good or bad. Think bout it, if we just had ‘Incy Wincy Spider’ to go off, would we still see spiders as scary? Humans are incredibly influential and influenced. The longer we live, the more our beliefs are affirmed by those around us. We see in our animal handling workshops that children are sometimes more fearless than adults, their fears aren’t set in stone!

How can I get over my fear of animals?

As with any type of fear, knowledge is power. Understanding why animals have the adaptations they do and why they may be labelled ‘scary’ in our culture is the first step in conquering your fear. Exposure therapy also works wonders. Being able to see these animals in person can help to dispel fears and understand that these animals are living creatures just like the rest of is! They’re not so bad when you get to know them!

Got an animal fear you'd like to overcome? Contact us about our fear-busting sessions!