The term "animal attack" refers to an incident in which a wild or domestic animal behaves aggressively and physically harms, injures or kills a human being or another animal. Animal attacks can occur for various reasons such as fear, territorial defense, protecting their young or food, or even due to provocation by the victim. The severity of an attack may vary from minor scratches or bites to severe mauling or death. Some common animals that are known to have attacked humans include dogs, bears, big cats, snakes and certain species of insects such as spiders or bees. Precautions should always be taken when in the presence of wildlife to minimize the risk of an attack.