Are We a Freak of Nature?

6 min readFeb 4, 2021

Cowboy — a horse is playing with a bone — weird?

What is your first impression when you watch this video?

I was walking in the woods the other day, mulling over some thoughts about the predators and prey. When I hiked out of the woods and back into the pasture, I was met by one of my horses, Cowboy. To my surprise, Cowboy had a bone in his mouth! On the other side of the farm, I knew there was a pile of old bones from a long-dead cow, I guessed that was where he found it. After a moment of being bewildered, I said, “Cowboy, you look like a freak”, and with that comment, he dropped the bone. He then licked and chewed. In horse language, licking and chewing mean you got the message.

Are we predators or prey?

The saying goes, “Eyes in the front made to hunt, eyes on the side made to hide.” When we ride horses we jump on their back, just like a predator. They have to override 60 million years of instinct, of how NOT to get eaten to let us ride them; however, the instinct to connect is also solidly imbedded in their ancient genetics.

The way horses see it, the more connected and diverse we are, the better chance of survival we all have. Since humans have only 6 million years on earth, I guess we can learn a thing or two about survival from this species that is 10 times older than we are!

Power is not a dirty word when used fairly and as intended. As described by Linda Kohanov in her book: ‘The Five Roles of a Master Herder’ these are the characteristics of predatory and non-predatory power:

Non-Predatory Power:

Supports individual and group needs simultaneously
Values relationship over territory
Values process over goal
Stops fighting when aggressor backs off
Mutual aid/safety in numbers orientation
“Live and let live”
Shields the weak
Vulnerable individuals can rely on others
Conserves energy for true emergencies
Cooperation emphasized

Predatory Power:

Nourishes self at others' expense
Values territory over relationship
Values goal over process (the end justifies the means)
Fight to the death impulse is strong
Survival of the fittest orientation
Culls the weak
Must hide vulnerability at all cost
Purposefully escalates fear
Competition emphasized

Scene 2: Cowboy and Steve

What is your first impression?

In this video, Cowboy is teaching Steve about the Sentinel (watcher) role. At least one individual watches for predators so the others can calmly eat and sleep. Cowboy is discerning (not judging); is Steve a predator? Eventually, he discerns that Steve is not a predator and asks him to watch out so he can lie down. There can be cross-species collaboration. Only two species hunt for fun: humans and domestic cats.

Understanding intention is the key to survival for any species.

As explained by Temple Grandin, in her book: ‘Animals in Translation, animals have finely tuned senses to first discern intent, this intent generates an emotion. The animal gets the message behind the emotion and takes action; therefore, emotion is a predictor of the future.

For example, a zebra sees a lion; senses his intent, and notices how he feels. No fear = safe. Fear = run. If he runs every time he sees a lion, he would use up his energy unnecessarily and have to find more food. If the zebra feels fear and does not run, he may die. Fear is a predictor of death.

In nature, the predator role, when used appropriately, is essential for the survival of a species and is used by both predator and prey. However, it can be misused.

Benefits of Predators:

Culls (eliminates) — Removes what does not benefit the whole: Individuals that continue to be disruptive or are not in line with the group values. Imbalanced individuals. Weak or sick individuals that may attract natural predators (when necessary). Group members that do not contribute to the ‘success’ of the group/species. ‘Inferior’ individuals that weaken the species’ genetics.
Monitors Resources — Is sensitive to energy and resource drains and notifies leaders
Decides — Makes the tough decisions during lean times for the good of the whole
Balances — Keep the eco-system (outside and inside of the species) in balance
Fierce Protection — Offers protection from threats that do not back down
Genetic Resilience — The strongest, smartest, well-balanced individuals contribute the best traits to the gene species gene pool to benefit the survival of the species.

Has our misuse of predatory power made us freaks of nature?

In human society today, the predator role and predatory power are overused and misused. In order to survive we hide our emotions so we don’t appear weak or inferior. We can not reveal a vulnerability. Individuals with vulnerabilities are an easy target for predators. Unbalanced predators seek ways to uncover others' vulnerabilities. Inside we are fearful, but to our detriment and for self-preservation, we only show others that we are fine. Living like this is incongruent and not sustainable. A society based on incongruencies is confusing, especially for children and it is not viable.

In incongruent environments, we constantly feel the need to be on guard. We are waiting for the next shoe to drop, keeping us in fight or flight mode. We are; after all, first wired to survive.

All species, whether predator or prey, need to connect in a place that is safe to be vulnerable. The hormone, oxytocin is released when we are hugged and touched in loving ways. Oxytocin is the glue that keeps a species connected, ensuring its survival, as a whole. The physiological connection of this essential hormone is so strong, one member will give his life for another.

Oxytocin has important physiological benefits:

Reduces blood pressure/stress hormones
Buffers flight/fight response in favor of a “calm and connect” response
Encourages “tend and befriend” behavior
Elevates pain thresholds and promotes faster healing
Creates heightened learning capacity
Positively affects the group, not just the individual

The pandemic has forced us to live separately. Maybe the catalyst for the chaos in our country is the result of inadequate oxytocin production.