FERAL - DEFINITION:
Feral describes an animal or plant that lives in the wild but is descended from domesticated ancestors.
Unlike wild species, feral organisms have reverted to a untamed state, often characterized by savagery, ferocity, and a lack of socialization.
Originating from the Latin fera (”wild beast”), it specifically refers to “running wild” or having reverted from domestication.
Feral animals are typically unsocialized, fearful of humans, and likely to behave aggressively if cornered.
Feral species can heavily disrupt local systems, acting as invasive species, threatening indigenous life forms and causing die out and extinctions.
While primarily biological, “feral” is sometimes used colloquially to describe children or people acting wild, rambunctious, or untamed.
If the description fits, it must be its!