Peter Benchley Quotes

Life is a zoo in a jungle.

These are the animals that are the reason why you don't see old animals in the wild. You don't see sick animals in the wild. You don't see lame animals in the wild, and its all because of the predator: the lion, the tiger, the leopard, all the cats.

When the wart-hog looks up at the sky, it gets its throat slit.

We were like deer. They were like grizzly bear.

We're interested in things that have big teeth, and you can see the evolutionary value of that, and you can also see the practical consequences by watching 'Animal Planet.' You notice they make very few programs about gerbils. It's mostly about things that have big teeth.

I can recall, as a young adult, running through the rain forest at the Forest Reserve, at times feeling a sense of fear when I felt I was in danger. In danger of confronting an ugly snake or a coral snake, which represented the greatest fear of someone in a rural area when you traverse the forest.

If worms carried pistols, birds wouldn't eat 'em.

Over the course of history, the people who are not scared go into the woods and are mauled by a bear, are not going to survive.

I think a lot of kids are interested in two science subjects: dinosaurs and aliens. The reason is almost genetic; we're hard-wired to be interested in things that might be a little dangerous.

I have held healthy respects of bears along with assorted crocodiles, snakes and lots of other animals. You know, bears are dangerous, you have to be super careful.

There's vultures out here. You need to listen and learn.

Homo sapiens does its best to forget the fact, but it is an animal.

And I'm wondering where the lions are.

We are not afraid of predators, we're transfixed by them, prone to weave stories and fables and chatter endlessly about them, because fascination creates preparedness, and preparedness, survival. In a deeply tribal way, we love our monsters.

I really think I like poisonous snakes.

You're a good example of why some animals eat their young.

Man is the only animal that can remain on friendly terms with the victims he intends to eat until he eats them.

I have written a lot about snakes. There's something pretty primordial about it.

You know, if you have a zoo you don't want the other creatures to see you. You want them to hang out and act properly and, you know, when the monkeys will come and ask for the bananas, they won't act like monkeys. If you want them to act on what their true nature is, you've got to leave them alone.

I like all these little animals that run and eat and hide all the time. I like their faces, They seem to be scared and curious at the same time.

Give me a 15-ft. crocodile any day over a bee.

'The Others' books take place in an alternate Earth where the Earth natives have been the dominant predators throughout the world's history, and humans are nowhere near the top of the food chain. But humans are clever and resilient, if not always wise, and have made some bargains with the Others in order to survive.

If we choose to walk into a forest where a tiger lives, we are taking a chance. If we swim in a river where crocodiles live, we are taking a chance. If we visit the desert or climb a mountain or enter a swamp where snakes have managed to survive, we are taking a chance.

That's what the cat said to the canary when he swallowed him - 'You'll be all right.'

For all of nature's wonder and beauty, it is also hostile and unpredictable.