Survive Animal Attacks
Wild animal attacks are extremely rare. However, there are several techniques to help you survive attacks from several species of wildlife.
Contents
Steps
- Know your area. Use a field guide and information from the local parks department to find out what wildlife lives in the area, and if any attacks have been recorded.
- Bring supplies. Bells, pepper spray, a knife, a snake stick and extra clothing can help you fend off attacks.
Mountain Lions and Other Large Cats
- Prevent an encounter by wearing a bell or other noisemaker to scare off any mountain lions that might be nearby.
- Stand your ground. Mountain lions, like most cats, don't want to attack prey that will fight back.
- Make yourself scary by yelling, holding out extra clothing like wings, or climbing onto someone's shoulders. If your hiking companion is smaller than you, hoist them onto your own shoulders.
- Fight back by throwing rocks and spraying pepper spray if the mountain lion doesn't back off.
- Protect your neck if the cat attacks. Cross both arms behind your head to shield the back of your head and neck. Crunch your shoulders up around your ears to protect your neck and throat.
Bears
- Prevent an encounter by wearing a bell or other noisemaker to scare off any bears that might be nearby.
- Avoid bear cubs as mother bears will attack viciously to protect their young.
- Play dead if a bear approaches you further.
Wolves and Wild Dogs
- Avoid eye contact with the wolves, as eye contact is a sign of aggression.
- Slump your lower body and lower your head in a submissive gesture.
Venomous Snakes
- Avoid an encounter by keeping alert for snakes.
- Wear protective clothing such as long pants, tall hiking boots, long sleeves, and gloves.
- Watch the snake for signs it might strike, while backing away. Snakes must coil before striking.
- Fend off the snake with your snake stick if it moves towards you, while backing carefully away from the snake.
- Administer first aid if you or your companion are bitten. DO NOT attempt to suck the venom from the wound!
Constricting Snakes
- Avoid an encounter by keeping alert for snakes.
- Fend off the snake with your snake stick if it approaches.
- Stay calm if the snake loops around you. If you relax, it may not attempt to constrict you-- in fact, it may just be curious. Struggling, however, prompts the snake to squeeze.
- Wrap your non-dominant arm around your ribs for stability and protection.
- Take slow, shallow breaths as the snake uses breathing as a cue for constriction.
- Grab the snake's head with your free hand, and pull it backwards to unwind the coil.
Alligators, Caymans and Crocs
- Prevent an attack by keeping your arms and legs out of water where these animals live.
- Watch out for "nervous water", eyes poking above the surface, or other signs of crocodiles.
- Hit the animal on the nose if it grabs a limb. Avoid being shaken or pulled into the water.
Sharks
- Avoid lying on the surface in areas frequented by sharks. In profile, you will look like a seal or other tasty prey. Try to keep vertical in the water.
- Stay calm if you see a shark. Move slowly towards shore and keep your head above water. Excessive splashing or activity attracts sharks.
- Remain still if you feel the shark brush against you. Sharks often investigate unknown objects by nosing them, then swimming away.
- Signal for help above water by waving your hands, shouting, etc. You'll want to be extracted from your situation if you're surrounded by a swarm of sharks.
- Fight back if the shark bites you. Punch and scratch at the eyes and gills. The shark will often let go.
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