How do you fend against wild animals?

Answer 1

When it comes to defending yourself against wild animals, it depends on the type of animal your up against.

If the animal is a small snake, using a stick and striking it can kill the snake, but I would only do that if your life depended on it, because it isn't humane and is generally unnecessary. For large snakes like anacondas (which rarely attack humans when they are not provoked), if you are attacked it will generally try to squeeze you to death. In that case, you have to bite it or cut its head off to kill it.

If it is a shark or a crocodillian, punching or kicking it can be effective (the gills or nose are the most effective on a shark), but if you are attacked by one if these two you probably won't have a chance to defend yourself until after it bites you. For crocodillians, twisting their leg backward is also very effective.

Some animals, such as wolves, hyenas, lions, and other big cats will rarely attack a human if they are near a fire. In the case that you do come face to face with one (or more), maintain an erect posture and try to make yourself appear large by spreading your arms out and waving them. Shouting also helps to deter them, but never, ever turn your back or run from any dangerous animal, unless you have a huge head start and know that you will make it to a safe location way before they can catch up with you.

When it comes to bears, campfires don't fend them off, but very loud, sudden sounds are almost always successful (one man was pounced on by a polar bear, and he screamed in Horror. Unwittingly he had made a loud and sudden sound that scared it away).

The number one rule to avoid being attacked and therefor be safe is to respect animals and keep your distance. If they give you a signal that you are too close, then don't run. You shouldn't ever turn your back on a dangerous animal (except in the above exception to the never, ever, run rule), because this makes you vulnerable. Instead, back away slowly and calmly.

Another thing that can help against most if not all animals is pepper spray (it works on them just like it does on a human, with no permamanent harm).