The only thing I will add in Jeff's defense......

Posted by kerry on May 30, 2002 at 20:01:37:

In Reply to: Do Gilas show fear? posted by Marty on May 30, 2002 at 16:50:23:

......is that I have personally observed time and time again that if I do not "rush" the animal when I encounter it in the field that often times it will indeed go about it's business as long as I make no threatening movements. I believe in most cases that the animals had some sort of continueing sense of awareness that I was still nearby, based on the way they would often "freeze" but if only for a moment to re-assess the looming threat before carrying on. I have been able to follow and observe free-ranging Gilas for well over an hour on many occassions this way. But do I think gilas "feel" and SHOW FEAR?... ABSOLUTELY!... Especially when the danger presents it's self in head to head confrontation. How could anyone who's ever accidently or otherwise come face to face with one on the prowl in the wild draw any other conclusion but this with the defensive display the lizard utilizes in an attempt to distract and then flee?

Follow Ups:

• Kerry's obervation is more accurate........ Jeff 06/08/02 (2)
  • I don't know if I'd say "more" accurate..... Marty 06/19/02 (1)
    • You need to give Jeff his due.... Gerald M. 06/21/02 (0)

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: ......is that I have personally observed time and time again that if I do not "rush" the animal when I encounter it in the field that often times it will indeed go about it's business as long as I make no threatening movements. I believe in most cases that the animals had some sort of continueing sense of awareness that I was still nearby, based on the way they would often "freeze" but if only for a moment to re-assess the looming threat before carrying on. I have been able to follow and observe free-ranging Gilas for well over an hour on many occassions this way. But do I think gilas "feel" and SHOW FEAR?... ABSOLUTELY!... Especially when the danger presents it's self in head to head confrontation. How could anyone who's ever accidently or otherwise come face to face with one on the prowl in the wild draw any other conclusion but this with the defensive display the lizard utilizes in an attempt to distract and then flee?

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