What about dangerous dogs?  The mailman isn't the only one who looks at a dog as more of a threat than a pet.  Land Surveyors have to enter more parts of properties guarded by dogs than any other professional.  I have been bit two times by dogs and have kindly refrained myself from self defense.  Should a wild animal behave similarly, my demeanor would be quite different.  Moreover, I am considering refraining from kindness in future encounters of the canine kind.