Champions of Coexistence: Rethinking Our Relationship with Predators

By: Emma Carlton

Humans are the villains in my story.

A bold statement, I know. For generations, we’ve been taught that the world’s great predators—sharks, lions, bears, tigers—are the real threats. We see them as creatures to be feared and eliminated. Sharp teeth, an instinct to hunt, and a place near the top of the food chain make them dangerous—something we humans believe we must control. But what if we’ve got it wrong? What if, instead of casting them as villains, we recognized the beauty and balance they bring to our planet?

These animals are not born with malice. Their instinct to hunt is simply part of their nature. Their way of surviving in a world that challenges all life. We label them as “dangerous,” but their need to hunt is no different than our need to eat, to build shelter, to find ways to thrive on this planet. Just like us, they are trying to survive. Predators are not driven by hatred or aggression—they’re fulfilling their natural roles in the ecosystem. Yet, every year, millions of these animals are killed simply for existing as they were meant to—punished for being born with an instinct that nature itself instilled in them.

Sharks, for example, face this reality acutely. While the average number of fatal shark attacks on humans worldwide is less than 10 per year, over 100 million sharks are killed by humans annually. Think about that: 100 million. We don’t need to kill sharks to survive. So why do we? Often, it’s for a fleeting sense of power, an assertion of dominance over nature. But their role is critical. Sharks, as apex predators, regulate fish populations, keeping marine ecosystems balanced and thriving. Without them, the food chain spirals out of control, affecting countless species, including those on which we rely.

Imagine the ocean as a delicate puzzle, each predator and prey a vital piece. Remove too many pieces, and the whole structure collapses. Our ecosystems depend on the natural order that predators help to uphold. They are not our enemies; they are essential.

It’s time we took a hard look at ourselves. Sharks, lions, and all the other so-called “villains” of the animal world have done nothing wrong. They are remarkable, ancient beings, each with a purpose in the intricate web of life that sustains us all. Protecting them isn’t just about conservation—it’s about respect. These creatures deserve a place on this Earth, just as we do.

Imagine a world where we embrace this truth—a world where humans and predators coexist in harmony. This isn’t just a fantasy. It’s a real possibility, one that starts with challenging our misconceptions and choosing to see the beauty and purpose in these animals rather than fear. By shifting our perspective from dominance to coexistence, we open ourselves to a deeper understanding of what it means to be human and to share this planet with other species.

Humans have a choice: we can continue to play the villains in the story of our planet, or we can become the heroes it desperately needs. We can respect our predators and protect our sharks, recognizing their right to thrive as integral parts of the ecosystems we all depend on. By embracing coexistence, we can change the trajectory of our relationship with nature. This is not just about conservation; it’s about forging a future where all species, human and animal alike, live not in conflict, but in balance.

So, here’s my challenge to you: let’s protect our sharks. Let’s respect our predators. Let’s embrace coexistence. Together, we can build a world where every species has the right to live and thrive. Through kindness, respect, and understanding, we can be the hope our planet needs. The journey toward a balanced future begins with each of us. Let’s step forward, not as conquerors, but as protectors.

Photo by: Nika Kuznetsova (@nikakuzphoto)