Love doesn’t bite- Fear, insecurity, protective instincts…those things lead to an aggressive reaction.
An animal will bite only when it is cornered and when it fears for its own or it’s offspring’s safety. It will fight to protect it’s own– be it a young one, it’s space or limited food resources.
Don’t we humans do the same?
You show the animal love… or leave it well alone and it will give you a wide berth too.