I don’t know if it’s the intention of the phrase, but animals definitely sense fear. If you’re able to tame your fear and not let yourself tense up, it can be what saves you in an encounter with wildlife. I’ve been a few feet away from a deer before I realized it, but I just kept my cool and they didn’t make a big deal out of it. If I had reacted, they could have gone defensive and I could have gotten really hurt.