Recently, an astonishing amount of people have become victims to unexpectedly vicious animals. Since 2009, the number of animal attacks on humans has risen an astonishing 53% according to studies made by Discovery News. As of 2013, thousands of people across the world have already been killed by wild and domesticated animals including pets which account for an estimated 100 deaths in the United States every year. Despite the dramatic increase of injuries inflicted by animals, the fatality of attacks has dropped significantly due to modern medicine and more advanced treatment.

The animal attacks have led some to believe that the violence signifies a time mentioned throughout the bible. A passage that is commonly posted in the comments of news websites reporting recent attack stories reads, “Through His prophet Jeremiah, God records the answer: “Wherefore a lion out of the forest shall slay them, and a wolf of the evenings shall spoil them, a leopard shall watch over their cities: every one that goes out thence shall be torn in pieces: because their transgressions are many, and their backslidings are increased” (5:6). Also, Leviticus 26:22 (KJV) states: “I will also send wild beasts among you, which shall rob you of your children, and destroy your cattle, and make you few in number; and your high way shall be desolate.”

The reasoning behind these beliefs conclude that mankind has lived destructively and abusively which will lead to the defeat of humans and domination of animals. However, the theories of researchers predict that the expansion of human territory has created aggression induced by hunger, loss of habitat, disease, and climate change which is heavily affecting the behavior of animals.

Contrary to most assumptions, provoked animals are not the main cause of attacks. One of the most well-known incidents occurred in Yellowstone Park when a mother grizzly bear and three of her cubs entered the Soda Butte campground in 2010 and ambushed three separate tents, injuring two and killing one. It remains unknown the reason for the attack, since after capturing and studying the bears it was decided that it was not for food or protection of the cubs.

Another case which raised many questions took place in Britain, where a fox entered a house through an open door and killed two infants while the family was downstairs. The New York Times reported that suburbs are noticing more wild animals in residential areas due to habitat loss. However, because of their role as foragers, coyotes and foxes should not be experiencing a lack of food despite their location.

The spontaneity of the attacks leaves humans more vulnerable than ever due to no prior warnings. A combination of factors are believed to have fomented the witnessed aggression directed towards humans although science leaves many questions unanswered in regards to arbitrary attack stories.