The phrase "how to tell wild animals" mostly refers to identifying or recognizing various wild animals based on distinctive characteristics or behaviors. One well-known humorous approach to this is the poem "How to Tell Wild Animals" by Carolyn Wells, which uses playful and exaggerated descriptions to help identify animals such as the Asian lion, Bengal tiger, leopard, bear, hyena, crocodile, and chameleon. Here are some key ways to tell these wild animals as per the poem:

• Asian Lion: Large tawny beast that roars very loudly; if it roars as you are dying, you know it is an Asian lion.
• Bengal Tiger: Has black stripes on a yellow body; it eats you once noticed.
• Leopard: Covered in spots; it will leap on you repeatedly.
• Bear: Known for giving a very hard hug or "caress" that can be deadly.
• Hyena: Comes with a merry smile.
• Crocodile: Often "weeps," which distinguishes it from the hyena.
• Chameleon: Small, lizard-like with no ears or wings, camouflaged so you may not see it on a tree.

The poem humorously depicts these traits to make identification memorable, often by exaggerating the danger related to each animal's behavior.