There is a world somewhere between reality and fiction. Although ignored by many, it is very real and so are those living in it. This forum is about the natural world. Here, wild animals will be heard and respected. The forum offers a glimpse into an unknown world as well as a room with a view on the present and the future. Anyone able to speak on behalf of those living in the emerald forest and the deep blue sea is invited to join.
Its a bit of a mix. Instinct would tell a lion to either flee or fight. For a lion in top condition, with lots of experience and knowing it has back up the instinct would tell it to fight. But if it knows odds are against it, the instinct to flee would have the overhand.
Instinct also relies a lot on learned behaviour. Like knowledge of the environment and opponents or fighting tricks it picked up from previous fights. Its why we would resort to using a gun on instinct rather than clawing and biting when suddenly thrown in a fight.