beasts

Beasts are a common, informal term used to refer to non-human animals, especially those that are wild, dangerous, or strongly perceived as powerful. It is not a scientific category, and its use varies by context. In everyday language, people may distinguish humans from “beasts,” or describe a wild animal as a beast without implying precise taxonomy.

The word has a long past in culture and literature. In medieval bestiaries, beasts described both real creatures and legendary animals, often with moral or symbolic meaning. In folklore and fiction, beasts range from ferocious predators to magical creatures and anthropomorphized beings. The term is also found in phrases such as “beast of burden,” referring to domesticated animals kept for labor, such as horses, donkeys, or camels.

Biologically, animals that humans refer to as beasts belong to the kingdom Animalia, encompassing many groups: mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and numerous invertebrates. Beasts display a wide range of life histories, diets, and habitats, from rainforest canopies to deserts and oceans. They are characterized by multicellular organization, heterotrophy, and often complex behaviors, but “beast” itself is not a formal classification.

Conservation and study of wild beasts address biodiversity, animal welfare, and ecosystem roles. Many species face threats from habitat loss, hunting, or climate change, while others thrive in protected areas or managed ecosystems.