The Nightstar Zoo

Was just rereading the Lost Fleet series by John G. Hemry aka Jack Campbell and I noticed something interesting.

One of the antagonistic races in the later part of the series is a race described as 'Bear Cows' something with a strong resemblance to a Koala. They are a race of highly militaristic xenophobes who build massive warships for the express purpose of exterminating all other life in the universe.

These ships when captured give the capturing force a feeling of being watched and the story spreads of the ship being haunted.

Now that I think about it the main mode of trave in the universe is through hyper gates with a plot spoiler related.

Is it just me or does this seem familiar?