The Way of the Owl: Interesting Fact #5

Social animals in general are easier to teach because they seem to think the same way we do; they understand that a show of aggression is just a temporary correcting reaction. Wolves growl and snap at pack members, saying, in effect, "Back off," so that they avoid fighting and particularly avoid fighting to the death. They understand aggressive signals. Owls don't. Owls will think you are trying to kill them. So if you mess up even once and yell at a bird of prey or, God forbid, make a threatening gesture toward it,it will never been the same with you again. The owl has no context for such frightening behavior. That's it. There are no second chances in the wild.