Exploring mountain trails can be thrilling and fun, but there’s more to a hike than just having the proper hiking equipment and companions along. It is crucial for you to learn how to survive an animal attack no matter how short or long your adventure is. After all, encountering a bear, a wolf, or a wild boar are not the fun memories you want to share from your hike or camping trip. And, above all, you need to live to tell the story.
Imagine you suddenly run into a wild and unpredictable forest friend (or, more likely, fiend). What’s the best way to respond to this animal encounter? How do you prevent or survive an animal attack? It really depends on what animal you come across, and first of all, it’s of high importance to be prepared and do your homework before setting out for a hike. For this reason, we are here today to teach you how to survive an animal attack.
Why Is It Essential to Learn How to Survive an Animal Attack?
No matter how obvious the answer is, many beginner hikers overestimate themselves or fall into the trap of the “illusion of invulnerability.”
Sure, we have all heard creepy backpacking and camping stories, but whatever bad things happen to other people, they cannot happen to us! This is the illusion and it makes many people take either unnecessary risks or not enough precautions.
And let’s say that during a one-day hike, it is relatively unlikely to meet a bear or a snake in the area you went for your outdoor adventure. However, the chances of bumping into a wild animal increase if you engage in long solo hikes spanning a few days in the wilderness, during a long thru hike adventure, or during your camping vacation week in the middle of nowhere. Then what?
Are you becoming a news story subject or are you implementing all the techniques to avoid such an encounter in the first place? What if the animal is furious with you roaming freely on its territory and disturbing its life? Do you have what it takes to defend yourself?
Do Your Homework & Train Your Mind and Reflexes
Seeing a bear is one thing. Getting bit by a snake you did not even notice slithering around you is quite the other. In both cases, you need to know what to do, and you need to do it fast. In the case of wolves, the wolf you met in the woods most likely has company. You have maybe seen the movies and watched the documentaries, but in a real-life situation, you have a few minutes (if you’re lucky) to make the right decision about the incoming attack and your survival strategy.
The Guides You Need to Learn How to Survive an Animal Attack
For the best solutions and advice, check out our fun guide below of DOs and DON’Ts on how to survive an animal encounter with:
For a fun and comprehensive presentation, find below an infographic on how to survive an animal attack! Even if you are a seasoned backpacker and you know all the hiking safety tips by heart, it does not mean you can leave your guard down. On the contrary, the more experience you have with hiking in the roughest conditions, the more likely you are to forego precautions. After all, you did this a hundred times, what can happen on the 101 trip?
How to Survive an Animal Attack: Infographic
How to Survive an Animal Attack: Conclusion
While there are tips that can get us out of trouble when facing an animal encounter, it’s always best to prevent than have to manage an attack head on.
Therefore, make sure above all, that you research beforehand the wild animals you might find in your area, and keep a safe, and preferably long distance from them. After all, trying to avoid them altogether is the best option at hand.
You can find more details about how to survive a specific encounter with a wild animal in the posts below.
Surviving a Mountain Lion Attack: What you need to know - Learn how to stay safe on a trail and be prepared at all times. See our tips on how to react to mountain lion encounters and attacks.
How to Survive a Wild Boar Attack | All You Need to Know - Wild hogs are maybe the most unpredictable animals. Vicious, aggressive, and disease carriers, you do not want to meet one unprepared. So let's see how to survive a wild boar attack and have something to tell your grandchildren!
How to Survive a Wolf Attack | All You Need to Know - Meeting a wolf in the wild is not as fun as it may sound. Wolves are perfect predators so learn how to survive a wolf attack before heading into the wild.
How to Avoid and Survive a Snake Attack - Snakes aren’t as dangerous as one would think, especially if you know how to handle them.
How to Survive a Moose Attack While Hiking - Moose attacks are more common than you would think. Remember, you should always be prepared for any situation.
How to Survive a Bees Attack While Hiking - The good news is that it's possible to survive being attacked by bees. Learn how!
How to Survive a Bear Attack - Every backpacker should learn how to survive a bear attack before heading for the woods. While these magnificent beasts aren't that violent, they can be deadly if not properly handled.
Survive A Coyote Attack While Hiking: Tips and Advice for All Adventurers - Coyotes are not known to attack humans, but when they do, they can be vicious. Here’s how to survive an attack.
Have You Ever Had an Animal Encounter?
Now, it is time for you to tell us your stories about animal encounters! Did you ever meet a wild beast during your hiking or camping adventures? How did you survive the attack (if it, indeed, made a move on you)? Do you know other tips or do you have more advice on how to survive an animal attack for beginner hikers and outdoor lovers? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below!
Awesome info! Thank you!
Good read
Great info!!
Great info! Thank you for sharing it 🙂
Great Article
Interesting read.
Great tips since I just moved from the city to an area with coyote and bear been seen almost daily.
Love it!!
This is great info for hikers. Everyone should this.
Good advice. We have black bears in Missouri.
I enjoyed it.
Good one on the moose.
Read
Good read.
Great read, especially about the snakes!