[h=1]How to Handle Predator Attacks[/h] Ryan Dotson Wilderness Survival

In most cases, animals are more scared of us than we are of them. So what do you do when they are not? There are several predators in the US that will stand their ground against humans. Each one acts differently towards humans, so having some knowledge is key to surviving a situations like this. My uncle owns about 400 acres in Southern Missouri, and we do most of our hunting on his property. Over the last few years he has spotted a big cat on his property. There are also black bears and huge numbers of coyotes in the area. In most cases I do not worry about the risk, but when I am walking to my deer stand in the dark I sometimes think about that cat jumping on my back from above.


In this article I will cover some general rules for all predators along with specific advice for different animals. Hopefully it will help if you ever find yourself in this situation.
[h=2]General Rules to Avoid Predators[/h]

• Avoid Food Smells – Most predators are attracted to food smells. To avoid this attractant, you must be proactive. This means cleaning your kill away from your camp, preferably over 100 yards away and near water. It means cleaning all of your dishes thoroughly. It means hanging all food storage from a tree at least 10 feet in the air and 100 yards from your camp. These actions will greatly help.

• Protect your tent – Never take food into your tent. The smell can linger and attract animals. Also never take clothing into your tent when having cooked in that clothing.

• Never feed animals – This will keep bringing them back. You may think that feeding the squirrels or raccoons is cute, but you are attracting the prey which predators hunt.

• Avoid pet food – This kind of food has a strong smell and can draw all kinds of animals to your camp. Try to avoid bringing your pets if possible.

• Build a fire – Almost all animals are scared of fire. If you can get a fire going, you can likely keep any predator away through the night.

• Keep your distance – The best way to avoid predator attacks is to not alert the animal. If you see a predator, slowly walk the other way. They will likely go about their business.

[h=2]Black Bears[/h]

• Bears are most dangerous when you surprise them or you get between them and their cubs. Stay aware of your surroundings, and you should be able to avoid this situation.

• Never run. Bears will perceive you as prey if you run. Move slowly and deliberately.

• Keep children and pets close. They will be more likely to attack small children and pets as they could see them as food.

• Make noise and get big. If you can bang pots and pans together or yell loudly, that could scare the bear. Also wave your arms and open your coat to make yourself appear larger.

• Do not block the bear’s escape route. Always make sure the bear has an easy route to get away. This will make the bear feel less threatened.

• Try to get upwind. By staying upwind you keep your scent in the bear’s face. This will alert them that you are human and are a threat. They will likely leave the area.

[h=2]Grizzly Bears[/h]

• Grizzlies are more aggressive, so they have to be handled with caution. Always speak softly as you back away from a grizzly.

• Never turn your back on a grizzly. Even if you do not run, it could make you appear to be prey.

• Make lots of noise in grizzly territory and hopefully that will scare them away before you get close. Man-made noises do a good job to get them running.

• Do not make eye contact with a grizzly. It will see that as a sign of aggression and be more likely to attack.

• Grizzlies will sometimes bluff charge to see if you will run. Stand your ground, but if it pins its ears back and lowers its head, he is coming for real.

• If the bear attacks, cover your head and lie still on the ground. Playing dead will sometimes cause the bear to lose interest.

• If the bear is threatening your life, attack the eyes and nose. These are areas that are highly sensitive and might cause the bear back off.