While on the trail, encountering a wild animal is usually a non-issue as it is part of your adventure. It only gets worse if you meet outside the wildlife designated area like your home, on the road or at school. In case you are taking a stroll, riding your bike or just chilling in your backyard and you see an animal that you might be sure is not a pet, here are a few tips on how well you can handle the situation;
Here is what you can do
Snakes- take a step back. Whether you recognise the type of snake, it is important to give it space. Be calm and quiet as you move away from where the snake is. If you get bitten or feel like you got a spit, rush to the nearest medical facility as soon as possible. To ensure that you are in a snake-free space, check under logs and stones before sitting down, and it would be a good idea not to stick your hands in between large rocks and logs.
Moose- a moose, will leave you alone if it doesn’t have a baby around; if it does, it would be wise to move away from it. To know if the moose will charge at you, it gives you warning signs like urinating, tossing its head and smacking its lips. In case it charges at you, run as fast as possible, and if you can get a tree between you two, then that will offer a good distraction. Beware of their hooves which are more dangerous than their antlers.
Deer- a deer will run away most of the time and will only charge if provoked. If it charges at you, run or climb the nearest tree you can. It would help if you played dead while a deer is chasing you, and it seems to catch up.
Beer- in case it hasn’t seen you, back walk slowly and if it has, talk to it in a soft tone. If it charges, you might want to use bear spray and standstill. If the bear makes contact, drop to the ground and play dead with your hands at the back of your neck and your face buried under your elbows. The bear might try to sniff you to confirm you are dead, so you might want to stay still for a while longer.
Lion- stands and makes loud noises, then moves back slowly. It helps to act as the predator instead of the prey; therefore, don’t turn your back and run away or pick up anything. In case of an attack, fight back and protect your neck and head.
Final thoughts
The most common thing that one should do after getting out of the danger zone is contact with Los Angeles animal control. This is to ensure that the stray animal is located and taken back to its facility and ensure that it doesn’t cause harm to anyone who wouldn’t know what to do in a situation of their encounter.
