Predators play a very important role in the animal kingdom and don’t kill their prey for fun but for survival. This means that while predators are potentially dangerous animals with killing tools, they are not inherently unfriendly and cold-hearted killers.
When predators don’t see us as prey, they will only attack when they feel threatened, and some of them can even show a friendlier side if they feel safe.
Killer Whales
Killer whales are some of the most respected marine animals in their ecosystems, and for good reason. However, they have a high intelligence and form complex social groups with their pods, being able to even show remarkable friendliness.
Researchers have seen bizarre circumstances where orcas play with dolphins, seals, and boats. Orcas sometimes let their curiosity get the better of them, and they will follow human vessels and show off by leaping out of the water.
Dolphins
Dolphins are some of the most recognized animals for their intelligence and kind behavior. They are carnivores, and prey on fish and squid primarily.
Dolphins have been reported following boats and interacting with swimmers in a friendly manner. There have even been stories of dolphins rescuing drowning humans. Of all the marine predators, they are some of the most approachable.
Bearded Dragons
While bearded dragons may seem like friendly and inquisitive reptiles, they are adept predators when it comes to hunting insects. While crickets and other insects make quiver at the site of the bearded dragon, they are amazingly friendly towards humans, especially handlers who’ve earned their trust.
They enjoy sitting on their owners and rarely feel threatened or show aggression, meaning that they are some of the friendliest hunters you could handle.
Seals
While seals might just seem cuddly and cute, they are actually skilled hunters, preying on crustaceans and fish. However, in the presence of humans, this flips around, and they exhibit friendly behaviors and playful curiosity.
Harbor and gray seals are especially curious and friendly, approaching divers to see what they’re getting up to without being aggressive. Seals also like to bask near human activity, showing that they have grown accustomed to our presence.
Cheetahs
Moving to the plains of Africa, there’s an apex feline that is known for being the fastest land animals on earth. The Cheetah furiously hunt down their prey, but they have showcased docile and even affectionate behaviors towards humans, especially those that are raised in the confines of captivity.
These cheetahs can grow strong bonds with their handlers, highlighting that there is a playful side to the deadly pursuer.
Corvids
Corvids, which are magpies, crows, and ravens, are highly intelligent omnivores that are excellent at spotting insects, small animals, and eggs before swooping down and preying upon them.
While they are good hunters, they can form bonds with humans, learn to recognize their owners, and even show a playful side. Even wild magpies have been reported to play fetch with dogs and take food offered by people.
Quokkas
While most think that Quokkas are herbivores, which is mostly true, they will eat small insects occasionally, making them omnivores. They are normally quite shy but have been seen posing with tourists for photos and approaching those that have food.
Their “smile” makes them approachable, meaning that tourists often engage with the small mammals. Quokkas are adapted to island living, where there are few predators, making them friendlier than usual.
Opossums
Opossums are omnivores that scavenge whatever they can find. When it comes to being a predator, they usually hunt rodents, insects, and carrion. Even though opossums look a bit bizarre, they are usually not aggressive until they feel threatened, and can even help human communities by acting as pest control.
They are friendly in the sense that they don’t usually bite and would rather play dead than harm a human.
Red Foxes
Red Foxes are skilled and intelligent hunters who prey on a host of different animals, including birds, rodents, and insects. However, they have adapted to urban settlements and started to get used to being in close proximity to humans, even accepting food if it is thrown their way.
While they are still wild animals, they are playful animals that engage in antics among their own population and tolerate humans. They are an approachable predator, even if it is best to keep your distance.
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