puffing_up

An animal puffing up its body as a defense mechanism in a threatening situation in order to appear larger in size, to signal defensive aggression towards the enemy. In mammals, this is usually done alongside a bent back.

Often accompanied by hissing. Though unlike hissing which is an offensive move almost always shown as a form of threat or anger, puffing up can be seen on other occasions such as fear or shock.

Examples

• !post #3957844
• !post #7527359

See also

• stiff tail
• cats are scared of cucumbers