Beast Companion
( Epic Level Handbook, p. 51)[Epic, Wild]
You can befriend a beast.
Prerequisite
Beast Wild Shape (EL) , Knowledge (nature) 24 ranks, wild shape 6/day,
Benefit
As the druid's animal companion ability, except that when you use animal friendship, the spell also applies to beasts. Despite the greater intelligence of beasts, companion beasts will not submit to tasks (or perform "tricks") that animals cannot accomplish. At most, you can have beast and animal companions whose combined HD are not more than twice your caster level.