One of the most asked questions by people that are new to the field is, " Will they hurt me?" Depending on who you ask the Giants can be docile and shy or rape and kill you. Because of all the variables, there is no clear cut answer to this question.

The first variable is the part of country they are in. Are they crowded into territories by geography or urban explosion? We humans are different too. There are city dwellers, who love to socialize and be in crowds and country people that seek privacy and peace. The Giants also have the friendlier types and the more reclusive types. Because Texas is so spread out and there are thousands of uninhabited acreage, Texas Giants are rarely bothered. If they are, it is more practical for them to abandon the area than to show aggression. There have only been a handful of reports where aggression was exhibited. In nearly all these circumstances, they were either shot or being shot at. Aggression can come in several forms such as rock throwing, tree breaking, bluff charging and roaring. Actual physical contact is almost unheard of. Low level aggression such as growling, infra sound, and tree shaking are simply actions to drive us out of the area.

The second variable is personality and upbringing. It is hard to imagine that Giants have an upbringing but why would they not. We have all seen those bad apples of our own race and know that upbringing and environment had much to do with the type of person they have evolved into. No matter where we live, there is always that bad neighborhood, the cut and shoot place, where we wouldn't dare venture into after dark. There are such places in the Giant's world too. Too be aggressive and territorial is a way of life for them. These kind take our ways very personally and will exhibit extreme aggression.

The third and last variable is reaction, specifically yours. Fear on your part can create a chain reaction of events going from bad to worse. It is very difficult to overcome fear when a person sees one for the first time or if you are aware and have a million horror stories running around in your head. Fear is unavoidable but panic must be over come. Panic is an irrational and unpredictable act and could be perceived by the Giants as dangerous. Your fear could feed their fear; that is a natural survival instinct. If you run, they may chase you. If you scream, they may call it aggression. Truthfully, I feel the Giants are more in tune with our emotions, centuries of watching our kind has taught them much.Regardless, it is important to remain calm and try to leave quietly. Very often, they will leave before you have a chance to respond. Most submitted reports and stories on the Texas Giants have proposed that they are reclusive and non-aggressive.

If you are interested in seeking out the Giants, it is best to go with an open mind, heart, eyes and ears. Become comfortable in their world first and bring with you a peaceful spirit. Respect their home and respect them. Hopefully that first encounter will not be so alien to either of you.

Artwork by Researcher Luke Gross