Motto: “You may need to show the animal you’re not worth the effort to eat.”
Sourced by Alexander Turcan
Every expedition in the wild nature has to do with wild animals.
Every animal responds differently to human interaction, but a general rule of thumb for any wildlife encounter is be prepared and look for signs. If the animal is reacting to you, you’re too close. All wildlife will give you a sign. Some species will put their ears back. Some will scrape their paws. Some will give verbal cues.
1. Bear
These are two species that you should never run from: black bear or mountain lion. You should make yourself big, as much as you can. Whether it’s taking your jacket and putting it over your head, or picking up sticks or just waving your arms, you need to fight back.
Here’s a list of bear attack survival tips from Alaska’s Department of Natural Resources:
- If you see a bear that is far away or doesn't see you – turn around and go back, or circle far around. Don't disturb it.
- If you see a bear that is close or it does see you – STAY CALM. Attacks are rare. Bears may approach or stand on their hind legs to get a better look at you. These are curious, not aggressive, bears. BE HUMAN. Stand tall, wave your arms, and speak in a loud and low voice. DO NOT RUN! Stand your ground or back away slowly and diagonally. If the bear follows, STOP.
- If a bear is charging – almost all charges are "bluff charges". DO NOT RUN! Olympic sprinters cannot outrun a bear and running may trigger an instinctive reaction to "chase". Do not try to climb a tree unless it is literally right next to you and you can quickly get at least 30 feet up. STAND YOUR GROUND. Wave your arms and speak in a loud low voice. Many times charging bears have come within a few feet of a person and then veered off at the last second.
- If a bear approaches your campsite aggressively – chase it away. Make noise with pots and pans, throw rocks, and, if needed, hit the bear. Do not let the bear get any food.
- If you have surprised a bear and are contacted or attacked and making noise or struggling has not discouraged an attack – play dead. Curl up in a ball with your hands laced behind your neck. The fetal position protects your vital organs. Lie still and be silent. Surprised bears usually stop attacking once you are no longer a threat (i.e. "dead").
- If you have been stalked by a bear, a bear is approaching your campsite, or an attack is continuing long after you have ceased struggling, fight back! Predatory bears are often young bears that can be successfully intimidated or chased away. Use a stick, rocks or your hands and feet.