Can a wild animal with grab choose not to use it?

[Ravingdork]

If a creature with this special attack hits with the indicated attack (usually a claw or bite attack), it deals normal damage and attempts to start a grapple as a free action without provoking an attack of opportunity.

The way the grab entry reads, it doesn't look like an animal or beast with the grab ability has a choice in whether or not they get to use it. Is this the case? If they hit with the attack, then they make the grapple attempt. No "can" or "may" or anything of the sort to indicate that it is optional.

[Warboss666]

It doesn't have to use the grab ability. It probably should have been "may attempt" instead of "attempt"

[Wrath]

Instinctive behaviour says no.

But it's your game do what you want.

Cheers.

[Cranky Dog]

Well there's instinct, and then there's Intelligence/Wisdom checks.

In animals, you might have a mammal who soon realize that a natural tactic may or may not work, but vermin types who often have "- Int" might just keep doing the same thing over and over again in spite of any consequences.

[Psyren]

Ravingdork wrote:

No "can" or "may" or anything of the sort to indicate that it is optional.

I would say it can, and likely would if grabbing/grappling is obviously harmful (e.g. trying to grab a Druid with Thorn Body.) But being of animal intelligence it would generally grab whenever possible in the absence of such a clear deterrent.

Though the wording does not include "can" or "may," it does say "attempt," which suggests you can choose to fail that attempt.

[Inviktus]

Also consider that the attacker can end the grapple as a free action.

If touching the target is pain inducing, or possibly just tastes bad, nothing says they can't take that action in the same round they made the grab.