Karasu the duck takes down a hawk to protect his flock, and proves the biggest threat in the yard isn’t always the biggest bird

We could all take an example from animals that courageously defend their family.

Every person wants to think that in times of need, or even times of danger, they would stand their ground and defend their family with all their might. Putting themselves on the line to make sure the closest ones to you are safe. I know this is how I feel when it comes to my family - especially since my daughter was born. Since her birth, I immediately felt like a new fear was unlocked in me - that something would happen to her. Like, anything bad. It's as if a new instruction was built in me, a software update that says: "If she's going to get hurt, you'll do anything to prevent that."

But that parental instinct isn't limited to just your children, ironically. This urge to defend and protect your loved ones from danger, or any ailment that might come their way, is not exclusive. It's a universal feature shared by many people - and for many people. But that's not where it ends. Because then - there are animals. And some animals are fierce defenders, even more than humans in many cases. It's no wonder that we have guard dogs by our side, for example. But this isn't limited to them only - it's the wild animals that make the difference.

Ducks were domesticated around 4,000 years ago, but we can all agree they are still quite the wild flock. They don't live in our houses, we don't really pet them as we do dogs or cats (or bunnies, or hamsters, or other actual pets). But this wild side doesn't negate the fact that they're social animals who will defend their flock and family against danger, even if the risk is high. And this one duck below, Karasu, proves just that.