Yielding to an animal in combat -might- stop it from attacking you or give you a chance to run. Chance based on survival or maybe your "threat" based on your stats. Low threat would result in higher chance of yielding.
Intimidate could cause the animal to flee. "threat" based on strength/willpower and the amount of damage done to animal. High threat would result in higher chance of intimidation.
Both of these would be a choosable action by the user and not be performed automatically. Possibly as moves/openings
Certain gear like bear capes could increase threat.