What is a common behavioral sign that an animal may be feeling threatened?

A common behavioral sign that an animal may be feeling threatened is growling or cowering. Growling is often a vocalization that indicates discomfort or a protective response, signaling to others that the animal may feel threatened and is ready to defend itself if necessary. Cowering, or lowering the body towards the ground, indicates submission or fear, as the animal tries to appear smaller and less threatening.

These behaviors are instinctual responses to potential danger, as animals use them to communicate their feelings and intentions. Recognizing these signs is crucial for caregivers, as it helps them understand the animal's emotional state and respond appropriately to provide comfort or avoid further distress. In contrast, behaviors such as purring or tail wagging often indicate contentment or excitement, while barking excitedly typically expresses enthusiasm rather than fear, and running away or hiding suggests avoidance but does not always communicate a clear signal of feeling threatened in the same direct way as growling or cowering does.