My philosophy is that animals in general are more dangerous than commonly thought. We've glamorized and idealized them way beyond their true natures are.
Have to say I agree. Interestingly, as our consciousness about the plight of animals and endangered species in particular has risen, society has increased its tendency of anthropomorphizing and by extension, humanizing animals. It's always easier to sympathize with something that's "just like us" or that's friendly and cuddly.
The reality is that if Paul McCartney wants to pet a baby seal, it probably has to be sedated first, lest it claw him.