What does "feral" mean in the context of an animal?

The term "feral" in the context of animals refers to those that are wild and have returned to a state of living independently in the natural environment, typically after being domesticated at some point. Feral animals are not accustomed to human interaction and often exhibit behaviors associated with living in the wild, such as foraging for their own food, defending territories, and forming natural social structures. This concept is essential in understanding animal behavior in ecology or conservation courses where the distinction between domesticated and wild animals is significant. The other terms, while they describe various characteristics, do not capture the essence of what it means for an animal to be feral. For instance, "tame" suggests domestication, while "fast" refers to speed, and "furry" describes physical appearance but does not address the animal's lifestyle or behavioral traits.