Wildlife can be exciting to see, but it’s important to stay safe when you encounter animals in nature. Whether you’re on a safari, hiking, or just enjoying the outdoors, unexpected meetings with wild animals can happen. Below are some of the things to consider when this tragedy happens;
Keep Your Distance
If you spend any amount of time in the woods, it is likely you will encounter a wild animal at some point. One of the most effective ways of keeping yourself safe in the forest is by respecting the animal’s personal space. Always keep at least 50 yards between you and them. Don’t think that just because an animal is an herbivore that it is harmless. Elk and moose have known to be just as aggressive as any predator, particularly during mating season. While exploring the wilderness, it is vital that you take proper safety precautions to avoid unpleasant interactions with the creatures who live there. Remember that you’re in their home now, and treat all living things with the utmost respect and dignity.
Do Not Startle at Wildlife
When you first encounter a wild animal, you should remain calm and not startle it. Screaming or running away can cause the animal to associate you with prey, leading them to come toward you. You don’t want to make the animal feel trapped during your encounter, so make sure you give them space to leave. This can be hard because you may be in a place where you are naturally trapped due to things such as a river or rocks. But try your best to guide yourself and the animal where there is space to leave so the animal wanders off on its own.
Start Backing Away and Make Yourself Bigger
You should start backing away from the animal and make yourself look bigger by doing things such as making big hand motions. If you are with a group of people, it’s important to stay together and make yourselves look bigger by spreading out a little bit, while also making sure not to single anyone out as the animal may see an individual as something smaller and easier to approach. As you are backing away, you want to make the animal aware that you are a human and start making noises. The best way to do this is to start talking. You can talk to the animal and tell it to go away. It’ll let animals know you’re nearby so you don’t startle them.
Carry and Learn to Use Bear Spray
You can also learn how to use bear spray and carry it with you to protect yourself. Bear spray works on any animal with eyes and a nose as it has a very strong reaction on the eyes, face, and nasal cavities.
Never Hike Alone
Always travel in groups of two or three. Before you leave, tell an outside party where you’re going and what time you expect to be back. Predatory animals will target loners and small children first, so be sure to stay together and keep any children in your party close by.
Avoid Hiking at Dawn and Dusk
Many predators, including bears, are most active at dawn and dusk. Big cats such as cougars are nocturnal, so refrain from hiking at night in mountainous regions. If you do have to walk around after the sun goes down, carry large flashlights and a strong animal deterrent like mace.
Research About the Local Wildlife
Proper animal identification is vital to knowing how to react to their behavior. For example, black bears and grizzlies are known to respond to humans in vastly different ways. With a black bear, experts recommend that you raise your arms and make noise to scare it off. With a grizzly, you want to avoid seeming like a threat at all costs. With grizzly bears, stand still and remain calm. If the bear hasn’t noticed you yet, quickly but quietly move away. If it has seen you, however, face the bear and talk calmly to it. If the bear fails to approach, then you are free to back away slowly until you are a safe enough distance away. Do not run. A bear can sprint up to 40mph and will instinctively chase fleeing prey. Only use your bear mace as a last resort if the bear charges at you.
Conclusion
Just because an animal won’t actually eat you doesn’t mean they’re harmless. Even seemingly docile animals like deer and bighorn sheep can be aggressive when feeling threatened, especially if they have young close by. Be cautious when driving as well. Never stop your car somewhere unsafe just to look at wildlife, and drive slowly in areas where there are likely to be animals crossing the road or visible on the sides.
