This review paper examines the issue of animal’s fear of humans and how it affects welfare. Sections include: the relationship between fear of humans and productivity; effect of aversive handling on fear and productivity; effect of gentle handling on fear and productivity; physiological effects of handling; effect of the stockperson on fear and productivity; effect of stockpersons’ attitudes; animals’ ability to discriminate stockpersons; and, solutions to fear of human problems. Differences among species are identified and discussed, including the sensory systems used and their ability to distinguish between people.