As we get deeper into summer, many of us are clamoring to get outside and soak up the sun in the great outdoors. Unfortunately, that also means the increased potential of encountering the more dangerous elements of nature—namely, wild animals. While we’re backpacking through the woods or setting up camping tents, there’s always a chance of running into bears, coyotes, or other animals that could put us in harm’s way. So how should we react if we find ourselves face to face with one of them?
Bears
Bears may look adorable, but they’re vicious beasts in nature when the mood strikes them. If you come across one in while camping or hiking, first try to figure out what kind of bear you’re dealing with—specifically, whether it’s a black bear or a grizzly bear because the course of action depends on this. Black bears (which can be black, brown, or even blue-ish) are smaller than grizzlies; grizzlies also have longer claws and are usually dark brown.
It may seem like it’s going against your instincts, but don’t try to run away or climb a tree for safety. Bears are faster than you and while grizzlies are much more adept climbers than black bears, the latter have been known to climb, too. Instead, back away slowly while avoiding direct eye contact and speak in a calm voice to emphasize you’re not a threat.
If the bear attacks, this is where the type of bear becomes important. If it’s a grizzly bear, it’s best to play dead because the bear will lose interest and be less likely to continue fighting. Black bears tend to be less aggressive, so you have a better chance of scaring them off by defending yourself. You can also purchase bear pepper spray before embarking on a forest journey to use in emergency situations.
Snakes
Summer is a snake’s favorite season; they enjoy being in the heat. Luckily, they tend to shy away from us because we’re much bigger and therefore scarier to them. They’re fleers, not fighters, so an attack is rare, but that doesn’t mean it can’t happen. Snakes make it easy to tell when they’re feeling threatened—their heads raise and they hiss or their tales rattle if they’re rattlesnakes. In that case, stay where you are so that the snake feels free to escape. Don’t throw anything at it in an attempt to kill it first—if by any chance you miss, snakes move quickly and strike fiercely.
Mountain Lions
Also known as cougars, these big cats don’t generally attack humans because they don’t think of us as prey. However, happening upon their territory or startling them is a surefire way to get their defenses up. The best thing to do is to demonstrate that you’re not a threat to their safety. Maintain a calm but firm voice and stay where you are—there’s no way you’re going to outrun a mountain lion. Unlike facing a bear, it’s in your best interest to make eye contact with a cougar and stand authoritatively.
If the cat shows aggression, that’s when it’s time to try scaring it off. Throw rocks, wave big sticks, clap your hands, and make loud noises to show you can be a threat, too. Try to make yourself appear as big as possible to scare it off. Whatever you do, don’t turn your back on cougars. That’s just asking to be chased.
Coyotes
Coyotes don’t often attack people, but it happens more with habituation, which is when city growth and development gets too close to wildlife areas and animals become familiar with humans and less scared of them. They’re usually too afraid to approach or challenge us, but if they get used to frequent human contact, coyotes are more likely to make risky moves. If that becomes the case, it’s best to make yourself as scary as possible to intimidate it into running away. Throw things, wave your hands high, shout or yell at it, and make yourself the more threatening aggressor.
