Preventing Mountain Lion Attacks

•     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.

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Prevention 

Protect Yourself

Prevent a Cougar Attack

Mountain Lion Attacks

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

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

•       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

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

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

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