As the line between human and wild animal habitat becomes more and more blurred, the frequency with which dangerous confrontations occur is likely to increase. With a greater number of people recreating in the great outdoors and new subdivisions being developed in land once claimed by wild predators, the likelihood of an unnerving encounter is very real. Current news reports are filled with stories of wild animal attacks, and the number just seems to keep increasing. Short of becoming a hermit and staying indoors, there is no sure way to avoid such a confrontation but steps can be taken to ensure that the odds are in your favor should you find yourself face to face with a wild animal.First of all, most wild animals do not consider human beings prey and thus are not likely to attack unless they feel threatened or otherwise provoked in some manner. It would be wise indeed to try to avoid any such unfriendly meetings in the first place by staying out of prime bear territory, avoiding areas where known mountain lion attacks have been known to occur, reporting aggressive dogs to the proper authorities before they can do any harm, and basically remaining vigilant and aware of your surroundings. If an encounter cannot be avoided, then quick rational thinking and strategies for survival must be employed.
How to Survive a Bear AttackAlthough greatly feared, bear attacks are actually quite uncommon. Bears generally seek to avoid humans, except to steal food, and thus the likelihood of a bear encounter is not all that great. First of all a distinction should be made between the grizzly bear and the less aggressive black bear. Grizzly attacks are both more ferocious and more common than black bear attacks. However, confrontations with all bears should be avoided at all costs. If you spot a bear, do not hang around and watch it. Chances are it will continue to go about its business and leave you alone. Increase your distance from the bear as quickly as possible without seeming obvious. Do not try to outrun the bear because the bear can and will run faster as it decides you have designated yourself potential prey. If the bear begins to follow you, separate yourself from any food items you may be carrying, and continue to walk quickly away. If the bear is clearly disinterested in the discarded food and continues to follow you, turn around and face the bear and place your hands out to your side or above your head to make yourself appear larger and more threatening. If there is more than one person present, all members of the party should do the same in an effort to scare the bear. This is generally sufficient enough to make the curious bear leave, but if it doesn’t; and it becomes apparent that the bear has considered you a potential threat, then desperate measures call for desperate strategies. If the bear begins to run at you, lay down on the ground, cover your head and face with your hands, and play dead. The bear may sniff and paw at you and perhaps even roll your body on the ground, but as humans are not exactly appealing to a bear’s fish and berry diet, they are not likely to eat you. At worst, you may end up with a few bumps and bruises or a broken bone. On the other hand, if you fight back aggressively, the bear will follow its natural instinct to fight back and will probably win. Only physically fight a bear if you have exhausted every other option available and the bear is intent on having you for its next meal. Other means of escape include tall trees (though the bear may wait at the base of the tree indefinitely for you to come down) or a swift stream that you can outswim the bear in.
How to Survive a Mountain Lion Attack
Mountain lion attacks have been making the news headlines with increasing frequency lately. Not just children but a number of persons including hikers, cyclists, and even runners have been the victims of their vicious attacks. Unlike bears, most of the latest mountain lion attacks seem unprovoked, and may be a reaction to the recent encroachment of human development in their natural habitat. Whatever the cause, protecting yourself against a mountain lion attack is of paramount concern, especially in certain areas in the West. If you find yourself the unfortunate victim of a mountain lion attack, fight back aggressively. Use every weapon in your personal arsenal to defend yourself. Sticks, clubs, large rocks, mace, pepper spray, and weapons all need to be employed against a mountain lion attack. It is important that you try to remain standing as you fend off the wild animal to protect your face, neck, and head, and to have better leverage over the animal. Also, scream for help if you are in a residential environment or an area where there are likely to be more people. Once an attack begins, nothing short of killing or grossly injuring this animal is likely to stop it. Mountain lions do consider human beings potential sources of food and will generally prey upon smaller, less defensive humans.
How to Survive an Attack by an Aggressive Dog
Again, avoidance is the surest way to ensure that an attack by an aggressive dog doesn’t occur, but if an attack cannot be avoided, quick thinking and aggressive measures must be implemented. If an aggressive dog confronts you, use a calm voice to let the animal know that you are not interested in a fight. Keep your body turned towards the dog and talk to him while slowly backing away. Remain tall and erect, and if at possible try to make your body appear bigger than it really is. As you are walking away, try to locate a stick to use as a possible weapon should the animal decide to attack. If the dog does lunge at you, remain standing while kicking the animal in the face. Your legs are better suited for defense as they are generally stronger than one’s arms. If you have a stick, deliver full, forceful blows to the animal’s face and ribs in an effort to weaken him. If there is a possibility for you to move to higher ground such as on a car, a raised platform, or a tree, then do so. Any leverage you have on the wild dog will work to your advantage and hopefully result in fewer injuries and an increased chance of survival.
