Animal Attacks

Animal attacks in the wilderness are not that common. Dangerous dogs that live among us are a much bigger problem. However, there is something in the idea of being attacked by a wild animal that is especially disturbing and, of course, we want to avoid this nightmare. If unavoidable, we want to survive it. Here are some tips on doing both.

Animal Attacks - Moose

Moose attacks are actually more common than bear attacks, and can be just as deadly. A bull moose can weigh over 1500 pounds and be six feet (two meters) tall. They are most likely to attack people in the fall, during the mating season. The second most common time is in the winter, when they are just pissed off because of all the snow and lack of food.

To avoid an attack, then, start by being especially watchful during fall and winter. If you see a moose, watch to see if its ears fold back, or the hair on its neck stands up, or it clenches it's teeth. These are signs that it is upset and may attack.

Get behind something big (a boulder or tree) to avoid an attack. Run if you can, and get into a stand of trees, but be sure they are not too bushy. You want room to maneuver, in case the moose continues to chase you. Fortunately, most moose attacks are "bluff attacks," which end shortly after they start.

Animal Attacks - Mountain Lion

Mountain lion attacks are not normally a bluff. You need to fight with everything you've got if you are attacked. Use rocks, your walking stick, a knife - anything. One jogger successfully got a cougar to let go of his head (it was in the animal's jaws) by sticking his thumb into the cat's eye. Basically, you have to convince the mountain lion that you are too not the easy lunch he thought you were.

Prior to an attack, your goal is the same. Let the cat know you are trouble. Look big, by standing tall and opening up your jacket. Yell at it. Slowly back away and look for a weapon, but whatever you do, don't turn and run or crouch down. These behaviors will trigger the mountain lion's instinct to attack.

Animal Attacks - Bears

Bear attacks come in two forms. The first is the classic bluff attack, which is meant to scare you away. It may also kill you due to the size and strength of most bears, but you can often survive by curling up on the ground and holding your hands around the back of your neck (to protect it).

These attacks happen when you surprise or threaten a bear or its cubs. The bear will make a lot of noise and may charge you repeatedly, stopping before contact. Try backing away slowly and avoiding eye-contact.

The other type of attack is predatory. While rare, both black bears and grizzlies occasionally prey on humans for food. These attacks are quieter. The bear will likely have its head down and come straight at you, watching you closely to assess whether you are an easy meal.

If you know it is a predatory attack, don't play dead or you will be. Yell at the animal, look big, and look for a weapon. You may have to fight for your life. Most adult grizzlies can't climb trees, so if there is a lot of space still between you (these bears are fast), you can try escaping up a tree.

Other Animal Attacks

Snakes: step away slowly. Very few snakes will chase a person.

Baboons: Don't get between mother and baby, or the whole troop may attack. Shout and clap, and drop any food you have before backing away. Don't yawn or stare.

Elephants: An elephant may swing its trunk, kick up dirt and hold its ears out before an attack - and make noise. Get behind a large rock or tree, or run downhill (elephants are slower going downhill).

In general, don't feed wild animals. Don't provoke wild animals. Use the zoom function on the camera instead of getting closer. In other words, use common sense to avoid animal attacks.

The Ultralight Backpacking Site | Animal Attacks