This is a statement from Sanger Rainsford, the main character of "The Most Dangerous Game" by Richard Connell. His shipmate has expressed sympathy for the jaguar that they may soon pursue; however, Rainsford has no feelings for animals, explaining that one is either a predator, or a prey for the predator--the world is made of only these two types of creatures. And, as the second poster has cogently commented, this remark is definitive of foreshadowing.
In addition, this statement is ironic since Rainsford himself soon becomes prey: As he is forced later, after falling overboard,to engage in General Zaroff's dangerous game of hunting human beings, Rainsford finds himself the prey,
Now he knew what it was like to be a beast at bay.
This new role in which he is pursued gives Rainsford a new perspective on "the hunters and the huntees." For, his is no longer callous disregard, but empathy.
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