Savanna Animals Fear Human Voices

Wild animals in the African savanna were twice as likely to flee from recordings of calm human conversations as from lion growls or hunting sounds. Researchers placed speakers and cameras near waterholes in South Africa's Greater Kruger National Park and analyzed more than 15,000 videos. The response appeared in 18 of 19 observed species, or about 95%, supporting the idea that wildlife recognizes humans as a "super-predator." Animals also fled 40% faster after hearing human voices than after hearing lions.

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