It is yet another oddity of being human that we appear to be the only species on the planet that keeps "pets," a relationship that requires us to become responsible/take control of another species.
Animals of different species do form symbiotic relationships, however there is no sign that like us, they keep another animal around that becomes dependent.
Nature has shown that it is not unknown for mature animals to take on the care of orphaned or injured animals of a different species, but that is more often seen in the herbivore/omnivore species.
Predators, that is mainly carnivores, have their own territory and would not interact with prey in any way other than as prey, while rival predators would not be accepted as family.
Instances of predator/prey interactions have been known, but only in conjunction with interference from humans.
That is relationships developed among young animals of different species under the guidance of humans, not a natural arrangement.
In some predator species, even the young of another of the same species would be considered a threat and eliminated, to give a better chance to the stronger animal's young.
Although studies have shown instances of predators such as big cats or wolves adopting cubs when they have recently lost their own, it is rare and not well documented.
Considering how much we infringe on the territories of predators, and how available we are as possible prey, it is very rare for humans to be considered as prey to even the most predatory animal, which probably means that humans are at the apex of the predatory pyramid.
Despite our relative weakness, deaths of humans are a byproduct of an animal either defending itself or its young, or simply not being aware of just how fragile humans are.
Which makes it ironic that more people are killed or injured by cows than sharks.
However, the human population is more in danger from mosquitoes and microscopic parasites causing malaria than all the non-human animals in the world.
Impossible to be accurate, but scientists estimate that almost 100,000 humans are killed each year by living things that can't be seen with the human eye.
The second most dangerous animal to humans! Other humans.
Forget sharks, crocodiles, elephants, lions and tigers - the most danger to humans comes from things we can't see or our fellow man.
Georgina Noyce is an equestrian judge, and has a menagerie of adopted four-legged waifs and strays
