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.
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