Animals are woven into all humankinds myths and legends? why?

Animals are often an essential part of myths and legends because they symbolize the natural world, which can be beneficial and harmful at the same time. In many myths, animals possess both characteristics, whereas they can be a source of food but also a source of evil. And since the beginning of time, humans have had close interactions with animals and so it is only natural to have them a part of myths and legends.