The creature may be aware that you're there, but isn't likely to become aggressive unless you do something to change the dynamic. Likewise, and just as important, the animal is telling you that your presence isn't throwing an unexpected kink into its routine, keeping it from food, water, or shelter. Submission Among packs or herds, you may notice body language that could be interpreted as a sign of alarm, but it is actually an expression of social courtesy and submission to others in the group. When moving past one another, deer and coyotes often lower their heads and flatten their ears. Or they may crouch and curl their tails between their legs.
Similar postures show up in other social animals from wolves to wild horses.
On first seeing these movements, you may think the animal is alarmed by your presence and is trying to slink off to find cover. It's just being polite to its neighbor and probably doesn't know you're there. Click here to find out how. Copyright Rodale, Inc. 2001.