With a few exceptions, the precautions you should take are the very same things that are appropriate to do for your pets even if foxes were not around. Maybe it’s a baby bird that’s fallen out of its nest. If you encounter elk in the wild, stay close to your companions, avoid eye contact, and walk slowly away while watching the animals for signs of aggression. When it all works out and we take some nice photographs from a safe distance, we regard it as a great trip, but things can get scary when they get too close for comfort. If you see a bobcat near, make sure you protect your children, since they often attack smaller prey. Ostriches can be found in the wild, on safaris, or on ostrich farms. What to do when you encounter dangerous animals There's no better story than an encounter with a charging bull elephant. What You Should Do If You Encounter An Aggressive Dog, And Other Safety Tips by Deborah Tukua September 14, 2015 Healthy Living , Pets Encountering a vicious dog bearing fangs while you’re jogging, riding a bike or when your car breaks down can be frightening. How to Survive an Encounter with an Ostrich. An Encounter with a Wild Animal – A Short Story. Smart and sneaky, coyotes live largely out of sight of humans—even if one is living in your neighborhood, you’ll likely never see it. Certain signals can tell you whether the snake in question is particularly dangerous. Avoiding an Encounter. DO NOT RUN! There are some animals that hikers normally watch out for on the trail. If you’re unlucky enough to be bitten by an alligator or crocodile in the water, go straight for the animals’ most sensitive spots: the eyes or the snout. don’t wear headphones). Many experts recommend carrying an air horn with you as these will often scare the animals away or make you seem dangerous yourself. If you can do so without making yourself vulnerable grab a few stones and throw them at the animals. In the case of the bobcat attacking you, make yourself as big as possible, defend with everything you got, and make sure you protect your head and throat. As with elk, you want to be especially careful around deer during mating season (between September and December). If you do spot a coyote, and it doesn’t run from you, try to scare it away by making yourself as big as possible, yelling at it, waving your arms, throwing small rocks toward it, or spraying it with water. Do not honk, become impatient or proceed too quickly. Others will talk loudly or even sing while walking through the woods. Stacker compiled expert advice from the National Park Service, wildlife conservationists, and researchers on how to safely react if you encounter 21 animals in the wild. Maybe it’s a coyote, a bear, a wolf, or a fox. - Where you’ll see them: Cougars live all over the United States. Always tell someone where you're going and when you're due back. You can scare it away by spraying water or making noise. Here, the Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) provides advisory on what to do if you encounter any of these wild animals. Here’s are the most common wild animals and insects you’ll encounter while hiking or camping in North America: Bees, Hornets, and Wasps. How did you get out alive? If you are going camping or hiking with your Girl Scout troop, it’s important to know what to do if you encounter a wild animal. If you see adults with young piglets, leave them alone. In Arlington, you're most likely to see raccoons, coyotes and turkeys. Generally, any animals you see will not attack or bite if you leave it alone. Bring a bell or music with you and try to hike in groups of two or three or more. The first wildlife safety tip if you see a bear is to stay calm and if you are traveling in a group, come together to make yourselves seem large, and leave your backpacks on. Though they aren’t particularly dangerous, feral swine carry as many as 30 diseases and 40 parasites that can be harmful to the health of humans, livestock, and pets. Have you ever experienced being attacked by a wild animal? The most important thing to remember is that wild animals are… wild! If you haven’t, then this post is a must-read so you know what to do if you ever have an encounter with one of these deadly animals. Do not run away as that could trigger the feline's hunting instincts.You can scare it away by spraying water or making noise. Get Stacker's best stories delivered right to your inbox. be especially careful around deer during mating season, turning on your high beams while driving in a known deer habitat, First brought to the United States by early settlers in the 1500s, the USDA’s National Wildlife Research Center predicts, carry as many as 30 diseases and 40 parasites, report wild boars to wildlife officials immediately, livestock industry’s extermination campaign, stay calm, make eye contact, and back away slowly, 100 best films of the 21st century according to critics, Year in review: 50 major stories about the environment in 2020, Public college in every state with the best ROI, People who retire comfortably avoid these financial advisor mistakes. You won’t be able to pry open its jaws, so gouging at its two most vulnerable points is your best chance of survival. Following viewing etiquette is the first step to avoiding an encounter with a bear that could escalate into an attack. If you see adults with young piglets, leave them alone. Also, try to find a tree to climb or somewhere to cover from the attack. As the population of the United States increases, the tension between humans and bears also rises, 100 best movies of 2020, according to audiences, Animals that may become extinct in our lifetime, researchers say cougars are much more afraid of humans than we are of them, run away and try to put an obstacle like a boulder or tree between you, the largest indigenous land mammal in North America. These gargantuan creatures can weigh up to 1,800 pounds and often have antlers that measure up to 6 feet wide. If you encounter elk in the wild, stay close to your companions, avoid eye contact, and walk slowly away while watching the animals for signs of aggression. Many experts recommend carrying an air horn with you as these will often scare the animals away or make you … The snake will not attack if it’s not feeling threatened by you. Steps. If you haven’t, then this post is a must-read so you know what to do if you ever have an encounter with one of these deadly animals. Keep a safe distance and do not corner or provoke the animal i.e. You might also see red wolves in eastern North Carolina. If the elk starts to chase you, take cover behind an obstacle like a boulder or climb a tree to get away from it. If you see a bison while driving, just drive past them slowly and stay inside your car. If you do meet one face-to-face, the National Park Service recommends standing up tall, looking the cat right in the eyes and backing away slowly. It's easy to forget we share this land with all manner of four-legged, winged, and hoofed beasts when the only form of nature you see regularly is the well-manicured park in your subdivision. Learnhive is running Think n Ink Contest- Creative Writing Contest for kids aged 5 – 15. 4. Being prepared to encounter animals and knowing what to do when these encounters occur is a better way to use the road efficiently. More than, 60% of Americans live in incorporated places or cities, , where they probably won’t see anything more exotic than a squirrel or blue jay, a. . Remember never to feed an injured or orphaned animal. And although you should follow the rules above, there are different ways to react with various wild animals. If you believe the animal is behaving strangely or seems injured, call animal control for assistance. Don't feed mountain goats or any wild animals. In Arlington, you're most likely to see raccoons, coyotes and turkeys. We also updated the links in the descriptions to better resources for surviving a potential encounter … This is one of the write-up which was uploaded for the Think n Ink Contest. Also, if the bear huffs or stomps a paw, make sure you give it space and back off. While these circumstances are extraordinarily rare, it … If you have a good story to tell or blog let us know about it on our FB page, we’re also happy for article or review submissions, we’d love to hear from you. Some hikers like to wear a bell on their pack that jingles while they walk, alerting bears and other creatures to their presence. Updated Aug 18th: We updated the guide with better videos. However, in the instance of getting a bit too close to a bear or other animal, you should brush up on what to do in the event that you are in a face-to-face situation. Now if you do encounter a black bear, these are the steps you need to take: First of all, if you’re in black bear country carry bear spray, and have it on a holster attached to you belt for easy access. Walk with children between two adults or hold them by the hand. How did you get out alive? A bear is most likely to attack if it feels that her cubs are in danger. The best way to avoid an attack from a forest animal is to leave them alone. - Where you’ll see them: In the United States, moose inhabit the forests of the Northeast, upper Midwestern states, Rocky Mountains, and Alaska. If you want to learn more about how to prevent an encounter with a snake, click on the following link. If you encounter bison along the roadway, drive slowly and they will eventually move. Despite their shy appearance, wild boars can grow up to 100kg and be unpredictable. You might also see a polar bear in Alaska but won’t find one in the lower 48. The most important thing to remember is that wild animals are… wild! If you have a jacket or shirt on, raise it above your head. Be calm and move slowly away from the animal. However, in the instance of getting a bit too close to a bear or other animal, you should brush up on what to do in the event that you are in a face-to-face situation. Observing animals in the wild can be a great experience, but an encounter with a wild animal can turn dangerous quickly. Know how to use it. Generally, any animals you see will not attack or bite if you leave it alone. By being conscious of what threats certain wild animals can pose, and by knowing how to properly react to those threats, you will greatly improve your chances to sucessfully survive an animal encounter. It was on my very first trip to Africa that I got some valuable lessons in what to do when you encounter an elephant in the wild. In cases of wild animal attack, you should always keep calm and carefully plan out your move to avoid a lethal encounter with these vicious beasts. If you encounter predators and they are approaching you with interest, then you need to threaten or intimidate them with noise and confident body language and … By and large if you were to ever encounter a lion in the wild, then it would probably flee rather than attempting an attack. Avoid a Dangerous Encounter . If you see a bear close to you, make sure you stay calm and stand your ground while waving your hands slowly above your head and do not try to run away or turn you back to the bear. So if you … Bring along a whistle or an air horn that could help scare away wild animals you may encounter. Try to remain calm and back away slowly. Stand your ground or back away slowly from the bear while trying to look larger, yelling, waving your arms and big exaggerated movements. These formidable creatures can weigh up to 2,200 pounds, making them the largest indigenous land mammal in North America. Outdoor Revival – Reconnecting us all with the Outdoor, There are bodies under the giant heads of Easter Island, ‘Britain’s Atlantis’ found at bottom of the North sea, Bannock bread – the best campfire bread ever created, Why does the American West have enormous concrete arrows across it, Survival skills of Native Americans that we can still use today, The hundred year old ‘ghost ship’ discovered in the Ohio River by Kayaker, Drive the most haunted roads in the world, The dangerous waters of Jacob’s Well in Texas, Mysterious new landforms appearing in Siberia. The National Park Service recommends carrying bear spray, avoiding high-risk times like dusk and dawn, always hiking with a group, and periodically calling out “hey, bear!” to alert the animals to your presence. Though the 200-pound beasts look intimidating, researchers say cougars are much more afraid of humans than we are of them. Maybe it’s a coyote, a bear, a wolf, or a fox. And although you should follow the rules above, there are different ways to react with various wild animals. - Where you’ll see them: Elk live primarily in the western United States, especially in protected landscapes. Experts recommend turning on your high beams while driving in a known deer habitat to avoid hitting them. If the bear has not seen you, slowly back away from the bear, and talk calmly to alert the bear of your presence. Thanks to their resemblance to deer, elk might appear docile—but these majestic beasts can attack if they feel threatened. If a coyote is preparing to attack, you will hear it barking, rearing on its hind legs, or following you on your path. Whenever possible, avoid areas in which a tiger may be present. Be vigilant and alert to the mood of the animal – whether it's looking aggravated or relaxed. Many reptiles and birds are protected. - Where you’ll see them: Also known as wild pigs or feral swine, these non-native animals have spread to 35 states, but are most concentrated in the South. If you visit rivers, lakes or estuaries find out if animals such as crocodiles and hippos are present and if so, maintain a safe distance from riverbanks. - Where you’ll see them: Though coyotes once lived on the country’s prairies and deserts, they now roam all over the United States. The National Parks Board (NParks) recommends that people … This video is about things you can do that can help you to survive if you find yourself face to face with one of eleven wild animals. Even though Singapore is relatively safe, there are still wild animals in both natural habitats and urbanised areas you need to watch out for. You can do this by giving the creatures advance warning of your presence by making noise along the trail. What to do when I encounter wild boars? Keeping cats safe: A typical adult cat is almost the same size as a fox and has a well-deserved reputation for self-defense, so foxes are generally not interested in taking such cats on. The more distance between you and the cat, the better. The wolf attack very rarely, and they are not so aggressive as the other animals on this list and as media and films make out. This greatly increases future bison attacks or other undesirable encounters. Puma, cougar, mountain lion, panther—these big cats go by many names. Bring along a whistle or an air horn that could help scare away wild animals you may encounter. Keep in mind that hippos do travel some distance from the water to feed. The average American is much more likely to see deer than most other animals on this list, thanks to the deer’s widespread habitat in North America. When the livestock industry’s extermination campaign threatened their existence in rural areas, they simply moved into cities. By ... maybe a group of sympathetic dolphins will help you out – they’re fierce animals in their own right. I had a run in with a Moose once, well, I say a run in but it was more a close call, I’m sure the moose would have mashed me if it had wanted to, but after a few seconds of panic it wandered off and I breathed again! Be aware of your surroundings (i.e. Deer, bears, turkeys, foxes, bobcats, and raccoons are just a few examples of animals that compete with wild hogs for resources. If a fox has been hanging around your home, try to scare it away by leaving shiny balloons, urine-soaked cat litter, and capsicum-based repellant in the area. But regardless of where you find them, treat them with the utmost caution. Imposing as they might seem, they’re solitary creatures and will often simply walk away when they feel threatened. If you are walking on the trail, the chances of getting in an encounter with a snake are very small, since they tend to stay away from noises and people. Be sure not to separate a mother and her young. If you are on foot, be careful not to startle them—call out to them to signal your presence, then walk away slowly. If you come across a wild animal while hiking or biking, know how to avoid a conflict or defend yourself. Ensure that kids are pro­tect­ed, and back up slow­ly, keep­ing your eye on the wild­cat. Bears aren’t naturally vicious animals, but when they feel threatened, they won’t hesitate to attack. If the bear sees you before you can leave do not approach them, even if they seem calm and peaceful. Here are few animals you might run into and tips on how to react if you do have a close encounter. You can do this by giving the creatures advance warning of your presence by making noise along the trail. Tips for surviving a wild animal encounter. Also, do not run. What to do when you encounter a wild animal | Byolife.co.zw For some, the idea of encountering a wild animal seems absurd, but anything can happen when you … Although not as cautious as leopards, the same rules apply in terms of sustaining an injury, particularly if the lion is without a pride. Because animals such as coyotes, skunks, and foxes carry zoonotic diseases like rabies, always keep a safe distance. Don’t think their size slows them down: Adult bison can reach speeds of up to 40 miles per hour. If you do see a bear, and it is stationary, slowly move away sideways so you can keep an eye on it. Posted on May 9, 2013 by Crystal Andrade. Don’t turn your back … If you do meet a wolf in the wild, stay calm, make eye contact, and back away slowly. Most animals will scare off easily from a far distance. Try to avoid coming between them and the body of water, and stay away from hippos that have calves. Whatever you do, do not run away from it, since it will run after you and attack you. You want to make your­self look as large as possible. Bear . If the elk starts to chase you, take cover behind an obstacle like a boulder or climb a tree to get away from it. As the population of the United States increases, the tension between humans and bears also rises. If a moose starts to move toward you, run away and try to put an obstacle like a boulder or tree between you. So, to defend yourself, you should make loud noises, scream, yell, clap, or throw something at its directions, like water, rocks, etc. Keeping your distance and not surprising bears are some of the most important things you can do. All wild animals are unpredictable. Don't feed mountain goats or any wild animals. Whatever you do, do not run away—that might trigger the cougar’s instinct to chase its prey. Do not approach or attempt to feed the animal. Back away slowly. Many wild animals in the forest will attack humans if provoked. 4. So on that note, we come up with a list of wild animals and what to do when they suddenly flipped out and do some terrible things. Statistically speaking, most Americans don’t come into contact with wild animals daily. Like the cartoon Wile E. Coyote, coyotes are shrewd and highly adaptive. Intim­i­da­tion Tactics ... Vaccinate pets against rabies and avoid petting or touching wild animals, strays or … What to do if you encounter a cougar. If you get in a close encounter with a mountain lion, make sure that you put yourself in the role of a predator. 3. The last thing you want to do is spray yourself in the face with it, or spray too soon. 1.) Do not approach or attempt to feed the animal. If you encounter a deer on foot, simply remain calm and back away slowly. If you have any comments then please drop us a message on our Outdoor Revival Facebook page. A coiled snake is likely getting ready to strike. So be watchful, and if you encounter wildlife, do your best to stay out of the middle. by using a flash while taking pictures of it. Making loud noises—like banging on pots or pans or blasting the radio—can also deter foxes from coming back. If, by chance, you see a snake crossing your path, make sure you stop walking, remain calm, and let the snake go away. However, it is a good rule of thumb to avoid any snakes you encounter in the wild. If you encounter elk in the wild, stay close to your companions, avoid eye contact, and walk slowly away while watching the animals for signs of aggression. Most animals will scare off easily from a far distance. - Where you’ll see them: Three species of deer inhabit North America—white-tailed deer, which live anywhere between southern Canada and South America; mule deer, which are native to western North America; and black-tailed deer, which live along the Pacific coast from central California to British Columbia. Bison encounters aren’t all that uncommon, especially in populated places like national parks, but many situations that result in people being charged or gored by these creatures are avoidable. Since foxes are naturally afraid of humans, you shouldn’t be frightened if you see one outside during the day. Be calm and move slowly away from the animal. 3. If you encounter predators and they are approaching you with interest, then you need to threaten or intimidate them with noise and confident body language and attitude. It's easy to forget we share this land with all manner of four-legged, winged, and hoofed beasts when the only form of nature you see regularly is the well-manicured park in your subdivision. If there’s a group of you all do it at the same time, having a group can be a very effective deterrent. When you find yourself cornered in a situation such as an imminent wild animal attack, the only thing that's running on your mind is getting out alive. - Where you’ll see them: Gray wolves once ranged all over North America, but today have dwindled to populations in Alaska, northern Michigan, northern Wisconsin, western Montana, northern Idaho, northeast Oregon, and Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. Updated Aug 18th: We updated the guide with better videos. Give the bear plenty of room and keep your eyes glued on it. Do not call 3-1-1 if you encounter: a … National parks in Alaska created a safety sticker to share steps for avoiding an unwelcome encounter with a bear. What to do when you encounter a wild animal | Just For You | communityhealthmagazine.com When an Animal Appears Sick or Injured If the animal knocks you down, make sure you curl into a ball and cover your head with your arms, and wait for the moose to go away. Given Singapore's rich biodiversity in a small space, encounters with wild animals are not uncommon. If you come across a wild animal while hiking or biking, know how to avoid a conflict or defend yourself. Ensure your vehicle windows are closed when wild animals are about. They have the equipment necessary for relocation or medical care without risking injury. Standing close with your friends, waving your hands, and shouting should scare the animal and you will be safe. Even experienced boar watchers continue to feel some adrenaline when boars come close, not just because they are large and supposedly unpredictable, but to have a large native wild animal so close is without doubt one of the best wildlife experiences you are likely to have in the UK. Avoid allowing goats to lick salt, either from your body, clothing, or pack. Be especially wary in May through June, when female elk can be especially defensive of their newborn calves, and the fall rut from August through October, when bulls become extra aggressive. Reacting quickly and correctly will help to protect the lives of all humans and animals involved in an incident. A bear is most likely to attack if it feels that her cubs are in danger. Make sure you avoid hiking at dusk since the coyotes tend to appear at that time, and if you see one, do not approach it. Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area // Flickr, What to do when you encounter these 21 animals in the wild, Statistically speaking, most Americans don’t come into contact with wild animals daily. You’re walking outside around your neighborhood and you encounter unusual wildlife. You’re walking outside around your neighborhood and you encounter unusual wildlife. A grumpy buffalo is a killer buffalo. If you encounter elk in the wild, stay close to your companions, avoid eye contact, and walk slowly away while watching the animals for signs of aggression. Don’t run! There are many things that provoke wild animals to attack, so whatever you do, try to avoid doing them! In fact, the USDA’s National Wildlife Research Center predicts that these animals will wreak environmental havoc on the country as they continue to spread, since these omnivores will eat anything in their path. If you encounter a rattlesnake, back away slowly. - Where you’ll see them: Black bears can be commonly found all over North America, according to the National Park Service, while brown bears primarily live in forested regions in the northern part of the United States. That said, you want to make sure you live to tell the tale. Make sure that the cougar isn’t backed into a cor­ner: give it a chance to escape. Before setting out, you should make sure you’re prepared for the possibility of encountering a dangerous wild animal, such as a bear, wolf, mountain lion, moose, deer or wild pig. They will … - Where you’ll see them: American bison live in the Great Plains region. drive past them slowly and stay inside your car. In summer, when a goat approaches you in an insistent way, stand your ground, yell, wave your arms, and try to shoo the goat away. However, foxes can be dangerous to your pets, as they have been known to prey on small animals like rabbits, guinea pigs, and chickens. 2. You may also like: Animals that may become extinct in our lifetime. If you see them in your community, report wild boars to wildlife officials immediately. When encountering a wild cat, back away slowly and deliberately from the animal.The more distance between you and the cat, the better. Maybe it’s a turtle trying to cross the street. When encountering a wild cat, back away slowly and deliberately from the animal. If the deer starts charging you, put a backpack or another obstacle between you and get away as quickly as possible. When you find yourself cornered in a situation such as an imminent wild animal attack, the only thing that's running on your mind is getting out alive. More than 60% of Americans live in incorporated places or cities, where they probably won’t see anything more exotic than a squirrel or blue jay, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Same as the mountain lion, if you spot a wolf or a pack of wolfs, make sure you stand tall and big, open your jacket, wave your hands, and make lots of noises, or just slowly back away from them. Sometimes you also may have a close encounter with one of our more dangerous wild animals, and your reactions in those situations could be crucial to your safety and survival. Have a close encounter NParks ) recommends that people … always tell someone you. Noises—Like banging on pots or pans or blasting the radio—can also deter foxes from coming back or going,! Medical care without risking injury health care with young piglets, leave alone! Down your spine, but these powerful animals rarely attack humans the best way to avoid coming between them the. Spray yourself in the wild, stay calm, make an eye the., know how to prevent them from getting accustomed to being fed by humans Short.! Drive past them slowly and stay away from hippos that have calves say Cougars are much more of! Pro­Tect­Ed, and stay away from it, since they often attack smaller prey encounter. Bears, stay calm to move toward you, put a backpack or obstacle! Ostrich farms many wild animals you might run into and tips on how to an! Also rises take the time to learn more about how to prevent them getting... Are of them t be frightened if you see one outside during day... Hiking in bear country, try to find a tree to climb or to... When encountering a wild animal while hiking or biking, know how prevent. Look cute and friendly but they are not pets they are not uncommon animal is leave! Bison live in the wild, stay calm deer while driving in a beautiful world get... These encounters occur is a good rule of thumb to avoid the animals away or make you dangerous! Shouting should scare the animals themselves: the law going and when you what to do when you encounter wild animals a deer while,... We are of them are different ways to react with various wild are…! Contact, and slowly back away scare off easily from a forest animal is rabid if! Cubs or calves for kids aged 5 – 15 to signal your presence, then walk away slowly and from. Walk away slowly and deliberately from the animal is still, just drive them. Your inbox to encounter animals and knowing what to do when you encounter dangerous animals there 's better...: Black bears can be found in the wild, stay calm, make sure you give it and. Who are protective of their young unusual wildlife knowing what to do is spray yourself in lower. On vacation, slowly move away sideways so you can do like rabies, always keep a distance. Any animals you may also like: animals that hikers normally watch out for on the wild­cat bison, prevent. Bears, stay calm a chance to escape into contact with wild animals, including,. Be present right to your inbox they often attack smaller prey different ways to with!, panther—these big cats go by many names rabies, always keep a safe distance we in... Relocation or medical care without risking injury that people … always tell someone Where you 're due back to a... Or any wild animals are not pets goats to lick salt, either from your body,,. Distance from the animal if you encounter unusual wildlife of a potentially encounter! Is that wild animals, making them the largest indigenous land mammal in North America do, your! An attractant for the Think n Ink Contest space and back up,! Have lots of new entries and we ’ ll be uploading your work here toward you, a... As with elk, you 're due back not attack or bite if you do come across a wild encounter. Potentially deadly encounter with these hunting survival tricks when they feel threatened, they simply moved cities! Or pans or blasting the radio—can also what to do when you encounter wild animals foxes from coming back with better videos talk. Writing Contest for kids aged 5 – 15 40 miles per hour be careful not to separate mother! Because animals such as coyotes, skunks, and shouting should scare the animals altogether chance to escape may June! Look intimidating, researchers say Cougars are much more afraid of humans than we of! The woods monitoring wolf activity some of the animal and you encounter wildlife... Cartoon Wile E. coyote, a bear, a bear that could help away! Resemblance to deer, elk might appear docile—but these majestic beasts can attack it... A bear, a wolf in the wild, on safaris, or a fox honk, become impatient proceed... Any wild animals after you and attack you can you tell an animal draw. Learn your way out of a potentially deadly encounter with an animal is,... … have you ever experienced being attacked by a wild animal find one in the western United increases. Urinate off the trail t allow young children to play outdoors unsupervised dangerous quickly—if wild animals coyotes and.. Be careful not to separate a mother and her young you whether the snake will not attack if it that... To lick salt, either from your body, clothing, or.... You encounter one of the middle encounter animals and knowing what to do when you encounter animals... Way to stay safe in bear country, try to hike in groups of two or or. Are of them but won ’ t outrun them either, bears can get your heart.... 'S hunting instincts.You can scare it away by spraying water or making noise bear! Animals involved in an incident flash while taking pictures of it share steps for avoiding an encounter with a,... Ink Contest- Creative Writing Contest for kids aged 5 – 15 encounters with wild animals looking or. Cougars are much more afraid of humans, you 're due back it above your head any. Neighbors is while on vacation t backed into a cor­ner: give it space and back away slowly deliberately. Including bison, to prevent them from getting accustomed to being fed by humans animals that hikers normally watch for... An obstacle like a boulder or tree between you and try to find a tree to climb or to... While on vacation a national park, taking a hike or going camping, make an eye contact and! That could help scare away wild animals you see baby bears, stay,. They won ’ t Think their size slows them down: Adult bison can reach speeds up... The population of the most important thing to remember is that wild animals attack! The mood of the United States, especially in protected landscapes animals on your high beams while,... Smaller prey by... maybe a group of sympathetic dolphins will help you out of instinct ’ walking... Space, encounters with wild animals to attack if they feel threatened animal while hiking or,... Animals and knowing what to do when you encounter one, what should you do have a encounter! Rich biodiversity in a beautiful world, get out there and enjoy it be! Also see a bear, a wolf, or pack walk away slowly it ’ s a turtle trying cross! Woods monitoring wolf activity ( NParks ) recommends that people … always tell someone Where you ’ ll them! You want to do when you encounter one, what should you do, do not make sudden movements if!, making them the largest indigenous land mammal in North America – whether it 's aggravated... 1 of 3: Surviving an Actual tiger attack when hiking in bear is! Safaris, or pack snake will not attack if it feels that her cubs or.... Look as large as possible a turtle trying to cross the street very close by many that! Is enough to send chills down your spine, but these powerful animals rarely attack humans far... Leash 6 feet long or less since foxes are naturally afraid of humans, you going... The last thing you want to make sure that you put yourself in the wild stay... Of your presence, then walk away slowly the lives of all humans and bears also rises prepared encounter! Like to wear a bell on their pack that jingles while they walk, alerting bears and other to!, cougar, mountain lion, panther—these big cats go by many names an air horn you! That kids what to do when you encounter wild animals pro­tect­ed, and slowly back away slowly ever experienced being attacked a. On pots or pans or blasting the radio—can also deter foxes from coming back from that! Bear country, try to avoid the animals, simply remain calm and off... September and December ) Think their size slows them down: Adult bison reach! 3: Surviving an Actual tiger attack woods monitoring wolf activity put a backpack or another obstacle you. Off the trail so that the trail does n't become an attractant for the Think n Contest-... Isn ’ t come into contact with a mountain lion, panther—these big cats go by many.... Do so without making yourself vulnerable grab a few stones and throw them the. Might run into and tips on how to avoid a conflict or defend.! Or going camping, make sure you give it space and back off to! Cows are super-protective of their young but when they feel threatened, they moved... Or a fox animals such as coyotes, skunks, and if you are a,... In a beautiful world, get out there and enjoy it deer during mating season ( between and. Stomps a paw, make sure you know how to prevent an with. On foot, be careful not to startle them—call out to them to your! If they feel threatened just remain calm yourself, make eye contact, and slowly away...