Exploration
There are all sorts of beasties in the wild. We ask one animal expert how you can make it out unscathed.
You’ll have no doubt heard of the story of the Colorado trail runner who was attacked by a mountain lion, and survived by strangling the cat to death in December 2019,
While we're saddened that a majestic animal met their demise, and thankful the runner escaped with his life, perhaps we shouldn't be too surprised at the news. Experts believe that as humans encroach into mountain lion territory, such attacks are becoming more common. In fact, there have been more reported attacks in the US and Canada in the last 20 years than in the entirety of the 80 years previously.
Because encounters with wildlife are an inevitable – and often amazing – part of any adventure, we decided to put together a guide to surviving the wildest of encounters. For this, we roped in David Mizejewski, naturalist and the National Wildlife Federation to talk us through stepping away from the hairiest of situations unscathed.
“The only foolproof way to avoid getting attacked by a wild animal is to never step foot outside,” says David. "You should follow the National Wildlife Federation’s common sense rules: 1) never try to touch, feed or get even remotely close to a wild animal (yes, that means no selfies with wildlife), 2) read up on the species that live wherever you’re going, and 3) be aware of your surroundings when you’re in wildlife territory."
Black Bears
Bears come in all shapes and sizes, and while the brown bear or polar bear are big enough to finish you off with one swipe (just look what they did to Leo in The Revenant), the smaller black bear is not to be trifled with, either.
In 1999, a 69-year old hunter named Gene Moe was attacked by a bear. He survived by stabbing the bear in the throat, lodging his arm inside the bear’s neck. After a bit of a tussle, Moe punched the bear in the nose, knocking it out.
“I didn't want to look at my arm. I thought it was gone. I had watched a lot of bears when I first came to Alaska. I noticed early on they were mostly right-pawed, like people. I saw that paw coming, and I was ready for it! I stepped back, and he kinda got me across the face and sliced (my) ear in two,” Moe recounted.
My head was so far down the alligator's mouth that I touched its tastebuds'
David has another, less bloody strategy: “Black bears are found over much of North America, including suburban areas,” he explains. “They are naturally afraid of people and typically run from us. If you’re hiking out in bear country, making loud noises usually keeps them away. The only time black bears are dangerous is when they’ve lost their natural fear of people because we’ve fed them. If you see a black bear that doesn’t immediately run, shout at it and clap loudly and it will usually flee.”
Alligators
Fancy being dragged under water then stored there while an ancient reptile takes chunks out of your rotting flesh? Us neither. When it comes to caymans, alligators, and crocodiles, running in the other direction is a great idea. Naturally, this can be hard in the water, which is something James Morrow, a snorkeller who was attacked in Florida after jumping out of the boat and landing on a 450lb alligator in 1997, found out first-hand. The attack was instant:
"I think my head was so far down his mouth that I touched his taste buds. When he tasted me, I think that's why he let me go,” he said. A punctured lung and teeth marks in his head followed. In the end, his snorkel mask saved him, taking most of the damage.
“It should go without saying that getting close to, or feeding a carnivorous reptile that can grow to thirteen feet long and has a bite force of over 2,000 lbs. per square inch is a bad idea,” says David.
Don't run - like pet cats, mountain lions will instinctually chase anything that runs and are triggered to stalk potential prey from behind.
“Alligators are found in coastal wetland areas in China and the US. The latter mostly in North Carolina, throughout Florida, and west into Texas. Avoid swimming in areas where alligators are found, especially at dawn, dusk or nighttime when the reptiles are most active. As with black bears, never feed alligators, which causes them to associate humans with food – a recipe for disaster."
Mountain lions
Also known as cougars, pumas or panthers, mountain lions can be dangerous critters, as anyone who’s ever had one jump out of nowhere on Red Dead Redemption 2 can testify. IRL, Jimm Hamm and his wife Nell (70 and 66 at the time) were attacked by a mountain lion in 2007 while hiking in a state park in California. Naturally, Jim decided to survive, he’d have to rumble.
“I realised I was going to have to fight this thing. I figured I would fight it like I would fight a dog attacking me,” he recalled. His head quick ended up inside the animal’s jaws, “It was like somebody hit me with a baseball bat. I was dazed. Then I heard my wife yelling for me to fight.” That’s when Nell came swinging in with a branch. Not that this bothered the lion. However, after a sustained assault, it decided to take its chances elsewhere, and scarpered."
“Of all North American predators, mountain lions are the only one to occasionally perceive humans as potential food,” explains David. “That said, attacks on humans are incredibly rare. Found in the west, mountain lions normally prey on deer, but also take smaller prey such as raccoons, rabbits, birds and coyote. If you’re hiking, camping, canoeing or cycling in mountain lion country, it’s best to go with a buddy because a lone person is more likely to attract interest. If you do encounter a mountain lion, don’t run from it or turn your back on it. Like our pet cats, mountain lions will instinctually chase anything that runs and are triggered to stalk potential prey from behind. Instead, as with black bears, shout at the cat, clap loudly and spread your jacket over your head to make yourself look larger to scare it away.”
Snakes
Humans have a natural aversion to snakes. In fact, it’s one of the creatures we’re born with an innate fear to. But, while stories of giant pythons eating villagers whole tend to be the mainstay of warmer climates than Britain or the US, there are many varieties of snakes in both countries that could give you a nasty surprise, or even – in extreme cases – a potentially fatal bite.
“When it comes to snakes, it’s important to remember that the majority of species are 100 percent harmless to people and that all snake species provide huge benefit to our ecosystems by controlling rodents, insects and other potential pests,” says David.
“Even large or venomous species that could harm a human do not seek us out,” he continues. “They only bite defensively, and usually only after all other efforts to avoid humans have failed. Many snakes rely on camouflage to avoid us, and if that fails, they make noise by hissing loudly, emitting smelly musk, or shaking their tails (rattlesnakes are equipped with an actual rattle, but many other species also rattle their tail to make noise in the dry leaves as a warning). They literally warn us not to come too close. Only when we invade a snake’s personal space will it attempt to strike.”
So, stay out of the way, and if you find yourself in unexpectedly close quarters, remember: “Avoiding injury is simply a matter of being aware of your surroundings, especially if you’re in the habitat of venomous species, and respecting the snake’s space. Simply walk away and you’ll eliminate any danger. Snakes do not chase humans and no snake is fast enough to catch a running human."
Moose
Ah yes, of all nature’s mighty beasts, it’s the moose that strikes fear into the hearts of men. Sharks? Forget about it. Crocs? Easy, mate. Moose? Woah there! That said, moose attacks have been on the rise in recent years, with attacks more frequent than attacks by bears in some areas, Alaska included.
Attacks are at their peak in September and October, the mating season – and early spring, when mothers have new borns to protect. And, if you’re travelling with your canine companion, don’t let it anywhere near moose, as barking dogs are one of the key triggers. And, as the moose is the largest member of the deer family, the same applies to those visiting Bambi and Co in the UK…“
"Although not predators, moose are the most dangerous animals on this list,” says David. “The largest species of deer in the world, moose can stand six feet at the shoulder and weigh over 1,000 lbs. As with most wildlife, moose generally flee from people, but if you surprise one and it feels it cannot get away, it will go on the defensive and attack. Though the males sport huge antlers, a moose’s main defence is its hooves. One kick from moose can be fatal. Males are particularly aggressive during the fall rut, and in spring and summer females with calves with not hesitate to decimate you. If hiking in moose country, just keep your eyes peeled for these massive deer and if you see one quietly move away from the area."
Happy trails.
