Some scientists say even trees can think or perceive their environment around them. Honeybees are just insects but they can communicate exact directions and distances to each other accounting for wind speed(math) when they need the hive to check out something or a new potential home which is fascinating and amazing. Makes you think right? Obviously everything living has to eat. That doesn't mean treating a living being like those villagers did. Honestly I would have done what you did in that situation.