Other ideas!

After the development of my first idea for a "desperate creature", I have developed a couple more based on the same data structure.

The first is an implied shape using "appendages" or "hair" to give form to the object.
these appendages react to the creatures desperation by wildly flailing about.

CLICK IMAGE FOR SWF

The second idea really MUST be viewed as an swf as the images cannot really portray it well.
The essence of it is a fuzzy/blurry object whose density pulsates in a manner indicitave of its desperation.

CLICK IMAGE FOR SWF

an inroad to iteration

Here is my first stab at making a desperate creature, the circle you see slowly pulses (rapidly when desperate) and the waveform thingy reflects the desperation through its amplitude and speed.
Also when desperate the creature randomly pauses, giving it a jerky "desperate" feel.

click image to see swf file