anthropomorphism

Be cautious in applying human attributes to other animals.

Saying that salmon is a bear’s favorite food implies likes and dislikes and is not the same as saying salmon is a bear’s main food. Saying an iguana loves to sit on a warm rock is not the same as explaining the biological reasons for such behavior.

On the other hand, recent scientific research has shown that some animals may indeed have feelings, and scientists themselves sometimes use anthropomorphic language to describe animal behavior, especially in highly intelligent mammals.

Used with discretion, anthropomorphism may help tell a story and accurately convey information to a lay reader.