Animal Attacks

Preventing Mountain Lion Attacks

2008-11-30T10:24:00.000-08:00

Parents should always have children under 16 ahead of them, and always within sight distance.
Mountain lions hunt at dawn and dusk, which is the time when people need to be the most vigilant. Carry a deterrent such as a walking stick or pepper spray.
It is best not travel alone, especially at dawn or dusk. Trail runners and mountain bikers should run/ride with others. Individuals are three times more likely to have an encounter or be attack then pair of people or a group.
Homeowners living in mountain lion country should eliminate hiding places for lions such as dense vegetation near the house—especially in children’s play areas. Put children’s play areas where they can be supervised from inside the house. Consider fencing children’s play areas mountain lions prefer to ambush their prey; a fence is a good deterrent.
Don’t allow children to play outside at dawn or dusk. Children under 16 that are not accompanied by an adult are at the greatest risk.
Homeowners should not attract deer. Plant only native foliage, deer-proof fences that are 6 to 8 feet tall will deter both deer and mountain lions.
Homeowners should install lighting in areas where family or pets move at dark.
Do not allow pets to roam at night, keep pets on a leash and securely confined at night. Kennels with a secure top are recommended—or enclosed in a building.
If you encounter a lion: keep eye contact, move backwards slowly. Raise your arms over your head to appear larger. If you’re wearing a jacket, grab the corners and lift over your back (like wings) to appear larger. Yell. Throw rocks or sticks. Be aggressive, never submissive.

Mountain Lion Attacks

2008-11-30T09:54:00.000-08:00

Mountain lion or cougars roam throughout the United States. Mountain lion attacks on people have increased dramatically since 1986. In California, there were two fatal attacks in 1890 and 1909, and then no further attacks for 77 years, until 1986. From 1986 through 1995, ten verified attacks occurred, an average rate of one per year. That average rate has continued through 1999. Attacks are now numerous enough that there is a support group for attack victims, called California Lion Awareness. Since 1970 there has been an average of 14 cougar attacks per year on people in the entire U.S. Mountain lion sightings have increased dramatically as well, from 59 in 1991 to over 300 in 1994 in California. The reasons for the increase are unknown. Some think the increase in California was a consequence of the end of recreational hunting of mountain lions in 1972, and then the passage of Proposition 117 in 1990, which declared the cougar a "specially protected mammal". However, it is even hard to tie the timing of the increase in attacks in California to those events, and a similar increase in attacks has occurred in other states where recreational hunting is still allowed.

Video:

Cougar attacks

Article:

MN Mountain Lion

Preventing Tiger Attacks

2008-11-30T09:37:00.001-08:00

When humans interfere with the delicate balance between predator and prey, by introducing domesticated livestock into tiger habitat, and thus reducing the available prey, tigers often become man-eaters. As livestock become more plentiful, tigers begin to prey on the herds, where the first human victim is usually a herdsman protecting his own cows or goats. Once acclimated to humans as a food source, tigers often seek out this almost defenseless treat. Tigers have killed more people than any other big cat. Also the number of tiger attacks on people is growing in India's Sundarban islands as habitat loss and dwindling prey caused by climate change drives them to prowl into villages for food.

Preventing Crocodile Attacks

2008-11-30T09:14:00.001-08:00

First of all: always, always observe crocodile warning signs!
Don't assume it's safe to swim if there is no sign! Crocodiles attack out of deep, still or muddy waters, where they can't be seen. Always stay away from small creeks, waterfalls, rock pools etc. are usually fine, but if you're not sure stay out of the water. Ask first! Either the locals or the next tourist information centre.
Stay away from the water's edge. No matter if you are camping, fishing or taking an evening stroll: stay away from the water's edge.
Never stand on logs or similar overhanging the water. Australian saltwater crocodiles can jump to attack! Also, never turn your back face the water.
Don't return to exactly the same place at the water every day, or on a regular basis. Or one day a croc will be waiting there for you...
Fishermen, don't clean fish near the water, or discard fish scraps in the water. Be careful when launching boats. Avoid going in the water if at all possible. Don't dangle your arms or legs over the side of the boat.
Don't feed Australian crocodiles. Also, don't harass or provoke them, don't interfere with them. Even the small ones, leave them alone!
Don't leave food scraps at your campsite.
If you see a crocodile sliding mark (a crocodile sliding into the water from a river bank will leave a characteristic mark), stay well clear of that area.
Avoid places where native animals or cattle drink. That's exactly where a lazy crocodile would be waiting for an opportunity to attack. (Saltwater crocodiles are very conservative with their energy, and therefore opportunists when it comes to hunting. They stalk their prey, hide under water and wait. A crocodile you can see is less dangerous than one you can't see.)
Australian crocodiles are most aggressive during the breeding season, September to May. The warmer weather also makes the cold-blooded animals even faster...
Naturally, be particularly careful at nighttime.

Florida Crocodiles
Crocodile Attacks in Australia

Crocodile Attacks

2008-11-26T08:24:00.000-08:00

Crocodiles kill hundreds of people each year. While most of these attacks occur in Africa and Asia, these powerful reptiles are also found in parts of South America, Australia, and the southern United States. Crocodilians typically do not include humans in their diet, but in truth they will eat just about anything if given the opportunity.

Crocodilians injure people under several sets of circumstances:

Territorial defense
Nest defense
Self defense
Predation
By accident
In the course of handling by people

Videos:

Bunge Jumper

Zookeeper

Tiger Attacks

2008-11-25T11:59:00.001-08:00

Tiger attacks are uncommon in the United States but in other countries they are more common. Care takers are usually the victim of attacks. Tiger attacks are often blamed on the climate change in certain countries. Also the loss of there habit has made tiger wonder into villages to look for pray. Other attacks are provoked by humans. Two victims of a lethal Christmas Day tiger attack were harassing the big cats at the San Francisco Zoo shortly before a 350-pound feline escaped its enclosure and mauled them. Other attacks have happened on safaris.

Here are some tiger attacks caught on film:

Tiger vs. Man

White tiger attacks

Tiger Attack to Manken Safari

Preventing Alligator Attacks

2008-11-25T11:38:00.000-08:00

Here are some tips to help prevent alligator attacks:

Stay away from alligator inhabited areas during the dusk and early evening. This is the time of day alligators most commonly feed. They are also most active during the warm, summer months.
Don't clean fish and discard the parts near water. This attracts alligators to the shore, and maybe even to a swimmer nearby.
Avoid searching or reaching for lost golf balls, boomerangs or anything else in water. This can be dangerous, especially to your hands and feet.
Keep pets away from waters inhabited by alligators. Small pets especially can attract alligators to the shoreline, or nearby swimmers.
Never feed alligators. Giving food to the alligators teaches them to associate humans with food.
Don't harass an alligator if one is seen. An alligator will usually avoid a human unless is feels threatened, so turn around and move the other way quietly. It is wise to avoid contact at all with alligators. If observing or photographing one, stay far away.
Swim in areas that are posted to allow swimming. Especially with children, it is always wise to swim in areas that have lifeguards.

Here is a fact sheet to avoid alligator attacks.

Here are some more cites:

Marsh Bunny

Living with Alligators

Alligator Attacks

2008-11-25T11:16:00.000-08:00

Most alligator attacks are fatal, here is a list of fatal alligator attacks in the US.Human deaths caused by alligators have increased. While there were only nine fatal attacks in the U.S.A. between 1970 and 2000, eleven people were killed by alligators in the five years between 2001 and 2006 alone. In Florida there are around 15 to 20 non-fatal alligator attacks occur in Florida each year, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). There are many other states where alligators attack rates are high. Most alligator attacks on people seem to take place while people are in the water.

Here are some videos of Alligator attacks:

Killer Gator

Alligator Attacks Man

Alligator bites off boy's arm

Preventing Lion Attacks

2008-11-24T18:26:00.000-08:00

African Lions should never be messed with, though your safari vehicle [including elephants back] is 100% safe. Step out of your Land Rover, however, for a close-up picture of an apparently lazy pride of lions and find out how fast and deadly they are. Two Japanese confirmed this not long ago in Kenya's Masai Mara. They went home in a box. Tented camps are fine if you observe the safety rules. Here are somethings you should know if you are going to be in areas that have lions: stare them in the eyes and don't look away. Shout, it can confuse them and break their concentration. Do not bend, crouch or crawl, cats like small targets. Do not run, it's a kind of attack trigger, and they can run much faster than humans. Throw sticks and rocks and shout abuse. They hate that.

Other Websites:

Lion attacks

Extinction Threats

Lion Attacks

2008-11-24T18:04:00.000-08:00

Lion attacks don't happen all that often, because most people take per-caution when they are around them. Most people that are attacked often are usually the caretakers of these captivated animals (Zookeeper Attack).There are often reports of lion attacks in Tanzania and other African countries, especially during times of drought when food is scarce. Conservationists have also long warned that agriculture and human settlements are eroding the animal's natural habitat. This is setting the stage for confrontation between lions and humans.

Preventing Pit Bull Attacks

2008-11-24T17:29:00.000-08:00

Pit Bull attacks happen because people are irresponsible and ignorant. Some people make their dogs mean on purpose. Irresponsible owners are the reason why these attacks occur in every single case. Until Pit Bull owners and the general public start working together to draft laws that address the core problem (irresponsible owners) we will continue to see unstable, untrained, unfixed, dogs attack and kill. This website has ways to help prevent your pit bull from attacking you and others. Laws placed on owners of Pit Bulls are making them more responsible for their pets actions.

Here are some other websites you can visit.

Dog Laws

Pit Bull Laws

Dog Owner Laws

Pitbull Attacks

2008-11-24T16:28:00.000-08:00

Pit Bull is a term commonly used to describe several breeds of Dog in the Molsso family that were historically used for dog fighting. These dogs were the notorious junk yard dogs or ware house dogs in the first half of the century. They helped keep unwanted people and other animals of these areas. Pit bull is a breed of dogs that is know for being a more hustle dog. A comprehensive study by the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention concluded that the pit bull breeds are the breed most often involved in fatal dog attacks in the U.S.A. Out of 238 dog bite deaths for which the breed was known from 1979 to 1998, 66 were caused by pit bull attacks (over 20%), more than any other breed. They usually don't kill but they are more know for mauling there victims. They were not commonly found in homes. Since this breed of dogs are found more in the home there have been more attacks. Some country prohibit certain breads of pit bulls. In the US: Restrictions on or the prohibition of ownership of American Pit Bull Terrier in some municipalities. Restrictions on the availability of homeowners insurance for owners of many breeds, including American pit bull terrier, Rottweiler Dobermann, Akitas, in some areas.

Preventing Bison Attacks

2008-11-12T13:04:00.001-08:00

Know your surroundings if you are in area where bison are found.

Give them Bison there space.

For more information check out these websites:

Bison Attacks

2008-09-25T18:08:00.000-07:00

Most attacks in North America occur in Yellowstone which is largest free-rang herd. On average three attacks a year and there four fatalities since 1975. Most Bison attacks are provoked often by tourists, that get to close when taking pictures of the animals. Still people get attack from these animals with out provoking them. The most common injuries from bison are goring and blunt trauma. The bison's horns may appear inconspicuous but can produce deeply penetrating injuries. Gorings typically involve the buttocks, posterior thighs, and back because the individual is usually running away from the bison. Stomping, butting, and tossing by the bison produce blunt injuries that include fractures and other injuries associated with a fall."

Many people don't know the power and the speed of bison. Unlike other animals they pivot on their front legs when they turn. They can a 180 degree turn in less then one second. They can weigh up to 2,500 Ib, and run at 30 mph. While they are running or flat footed they can clear a four foot fence in a single jump. Most of the time they can go through it. A grizzle bear never would take on a 2,500 Ib bull.

Preventing Wolf Attacks

2008-09-25T17:14:00.000-07:00

Don't travel alone in areas that have had lots of wolf activities.
Avoid outdoor toilets on outskirts of villages or camp grounds.
Don't have wolfs as pets.
Don't approach a injured wolf.
When approached by a wolf move slow never run.
Give a wolf plenty of space.
When approached make lots of noise.

Wolf Attacks

2008-09-23T18:36:00.000-07:00

Are both far and few in the United States in the last fifty years three people have been killed. The main cause of this was because they had the wild wolfs as pets. More attacks accrue in other parts of the world mainly in Russia. These attacks are not attacks by healthy wolfs they happen when the wolf is sickly.

Many other reasons come into play why wolfs attack humans. There roaming areas are becoming increasingly smaller. The food sources are becoming more scarce, and three-times more unescorted children than livestock.

Preventing Grizzly Bear Attacks

2008-09-23T18:02:00.000-07:00

Be aware of recent bear activities in the regions you plan to travel.
Be extremely cautious when traveling on trails at night.
Never cook food close to camp and don't store food within 100 yards from camp and at least 14 feet up a tree hung 4 feet away from trunk.
Watch for fresh bear signs on trails or near camp sites.
Carry bear deterrent pepper spray in your holster.
Make plenty of noise on the trails
Stay clear of dead animal carcass and if hunting clean out your animal and leave.
Keep dogs under-control.
Don't travel alone.
Encounter with a bear make noise and give bear space by backing off slowly.
Avoid Bear cubs move quickly away.

For more information Check Out:

Bear Survival

Hiking Precautions

Grizzly Bear Attacks

2008-09-23T17:23:00.000-07:00

Grizzly bears have been long considered the most dangerous animal in North America. These bears usually avoid human contact and will not attack unless startled with young or engrossed in search for food. We must not underestimate their unpredictable temperaments and often exhibit reckless and petulant behavior.

Only a few people have died from grizzly bear attacks this past year. There has been increase in attacks in Alaska in the past year many of them haven't been fatal but very close. This could be because of a food shortage or having a close encounter with humans.

Preventing Shark Attacks

2008-09-23T08:19:00.000-07:00

If you do come in contact with a shark get out of the water as fast as possible. To avoid an attack here are some precautionary measures to take; stay away from the mouths of rivers after a heavy rains, swim clear of fishing boats, if your bleeding stay on the beach, and stay away if you see large groups of dolphins and seabirds. For more tips you can visit National Geographic.

If you are a big time surf, kayaker or diver you can purchase Shark Shield. This device was developed in 1999. The Shark Shield sends of electrical wave that causes the shark to have uncontrollable muscular spasms when it reach an 8 meter diameter of the device. Since 1999 the device as been updated to become more compacted and much easier to use in water activities.

Shark Attacks

2008-09-16T11:28:00.000-07:00

Shark attacks over the years have dropped significantly over this past decade. In 2000 there were 79 attacks reported world wide and 11 of them were fatal. By 2008 the Globe Shark Attack File reported 69 attacks. This could be due to the killing of the sharks for every one person killed by a shark 10 million are killed.

Many people do not realize that out all the different species of sharks only a small amount of them are dangrous to humans.

The International Shark Attack File investigated 112 shark attacks reported in 2007 and 71 of those were unprovoked attacks. The other 41 were provoked attacks this means that humans initates the contact with the shark. This is caused by humans being more interactive in the ocean.