Survive a Wild Animal Attack (for Mountain Bikers)
Mountain Biking is a fun filled, high adrenaline and even relaxing activity, however there are many dangers such as the chance of an encounter with a dangerous animal while far away from help. This article explains how to survive such an encounter specifically for mountain bikers.
Steps
- Stay calm. Due to the nature of Mountain Biking it is highly likely any such encounter will occur far away from help in very inaccessible bush land in a national park or some remote region. The first and most important step is to stay calm and not to panic. Animals can sense fear and they may often see it as more reason to attack. By staying calm you can think clearly and logically to make better decisions.
- Be aware identifying the animal and judge whether it has seen you yet or shows any aggression. The type of animal you encounter is the basis for your next decision. Before undergoing any journey you should familiarize yourself with the local wildlife and other potentially dangerous animals such as bulls or rams, and the appropriate measure should you come across any particular animal. Potential hazards, depending on where you live could be large cats such as Mountain lions, Bears, Wild boar, Antelope, Kangaroo, or even a crocodile. Many animals may not actually pose a predatory threat to you and could simply accidentally knock you off your bike if they bump into you, so always be alert.
- Identify the animal, depending on what it is you must decide whether to run or stand your ground. Many say you should always stand your ground but recent studies have shown some predators may see your immobility as a sign of weakness and decide to attack. If the ground is fairly even or downhill you may have a good chance of out running it on your bike, especially if you are fit. If your only option is uphill or the ground is too rough to pick up any speed you are probably best to stand and fight or climb a tree. Just remember many animals such as bears and big cats are very good climbers so in that case climbing isn't your best bet.
- Back away from a cat. Often simply backing away slowly is the best option. Do not take your eyes off it and give it plenty of space. This also applies to other large animals such as bears. If this does not work proceed to the next step.
- Assert your dominance with noise and plenty of bravado. Shout, wave your arms and make yourself look bigger, even wave your bike around.
- Curl up. Should the worst happen and you can't escape, lying in a fetal position covering your neck and stomach area and playing dead can help minimize injury.
- Seek help and report the incident.
Tips
- Stay calm always.
- Make it clear you are a human and not their typical prey. Wave your arm and talk calmly (at first if it shows no aggression.) Do not shout unless your only option is to scare it away.
- Most large animals will be bigger and stronger than you are so you need to make use of your brain. That is after all the reason why we are at the top of the food chain. Make use of what's around you, for example a stick, your bike and the tools you have with you.
- Remember you are fortunate enough to be a Mountain Biker, not a Bush walker and therefore have a bicycle which makes a handy shield/Barrier to put between you and the animal. You also have the ability to get out of a situation quite quickly, especially if you are fit.
Warnings
- Try not to scare it unless you have to.
- Do not give the animal reason to attack you, if you do it will.
