On 2020-08-03 8:18 a.m., Mike Duffy wrote:
> On Mon, 03 Aug 2020 02:49:10 -0700, Cindy Hamilton wrote:
>
>> It's not logic. They aren't equipped by evolution to recognize the
>> threat involved.
>>
>> Nor are they equipped to recognize the inherent threat in something
>> moving 70 mph.
>
> The instinctual 'logic' is that whatever caused my blindness (usually
> lightning) has caused similar blindness in any other animals present. So
> it's best to use my ears & nose to identify threats.
>
> I quote 'logic' because evolution is not a deductive process. From the
> animals subjective point of view it is also not a logical process. The
> original threat, plus fear after going blind releases adrenaline. The
> animal is now operating on instincts triggered by mortal fear. The best
> defence is to stay still and lash out with maximum force against anything
> that gets close enough to ascertain its position.
>

A critter that has good night vision is likely blinded by the light they
are looking at, so when they look away they don't see much at all.
Standing still is a natural response to a threat and they seem to know
that not moving makes them harder to spot. We have quite a few dear
around here and it is quite common for them to just stand still until
you are close enough for them to incite them to flee.

FWIW...a couple weeks ago I was out on the motorcycle when I spotted
what looked like a small deer walking across the road with a fox. I
slowed down and stopped where there had crossed. It turned out to be a
small doe and her very recently born fawn. The doe was standing being a
clump of brush and the fawn turned and walked toward me. Mama was
getting quite frantic so I left.