Wednesday, May 13, 2015

How to Get Away from Animal Attacks -by Sonny Lowe

  

        Have you ever hesitated from going camping or hiking because you are afraid you are going to get attacked by whatever creature that lurks in the forests?  Well, don't be afraid because this article will help you with that.


        Let's begin with a snake. You're walking on a trail when you spot some movement right in the bush next to you. It appears to be a snake. Follow these rules if this ever happens. First, always stay calm. Second, keep babies, children, and kids away from the snake while you try to identify the snake as venomous or non-venomous from a safe distance. Third, keep in mind that snakes will usually try to escape to the nearest cover, so try not to stand between them and bushes or other cover. When they're startled, some snakes will flatten their heads and puff up to make themselves look more intimidating. A snake may also act defensive or try to strike when cornered, so give it space! If you get hit then call the ambulance, squeeze out as many blood that has venom, and keep the place that is injured below the heart. Remember, releasing a smelly musk and striking are a snake's only defenses, since it has no claws. Some non-venomous snakes will rattle their tails when they feel threatened. This can sound like a rattlesnake if they are in dry leaves. After you identify the snake, or at least determine that it is non-venomous, the best course of action is to simply "let it be" and wait for it to go on its way. If you feel that you must remove the snake from your yard, spray it gently with a water hose to send it on its way while keeping your distance. If you find a snake in your pool, you can use a long handled leaf skimmer to gently remove the snake, as it may not be able to get out on its own if it is small or exhausted from swimming. If the snake is venomous or you're not sure of its identity, take a digital photograph and contact a professional! Don't try to handle the snake yourself or you might get in serious trouble.


        Next up, the cape buffalo. Suppose you're in a jeep driving in the wild plains of Africa. You see a buffalo right in front of you. This is what you should do. First, do not ever get out of the car or vehicle you are in. Do not shout at it to let it leave. Be patient. Wait for it to move and keep on going forward. Otherwise, stay put. Always tell someone where you are so they can come help you. Be vigilant and alert to the mood of the animal – whether it's looking aggravated or relaxed. A grumpy buffalo is a killer buffalo. Always approach animals with caution and be aware of where you drive and stop.  These events usually happen in the African savannas so whenever you go to Africa or like a place like that be ready because you might meet a buffalo.


        With such low numbers, chances are slim that you'll encounter one of these 2-3 ton tanks, the black rhino. But, if you do, the best thing to do is get down wind fast and be quiet. Like all rhino species, these guys have poor eyesight but a good sense of hearing and smell. If that doesn't work and the rhino's aggressive nature kicks in you have to do some quick thinking. you should do is climb a tree. If there are no trees, run into a thicket of scrub where the rhino will most likely not follow. If there's no scrub, their next suggestion is to stand your ground and yell. I don't know about you, but standing my ground against a charging rhino that could have reached a top speed of 35 mph sounds almost impossible. But it's either do it or die or get severely injured. Once one of the tactics above has worked, the final recommendation is to run in the opposite direction since the rhino will most likely keep on running and won't turn around for another charge.


        Not that I am saying you are going to die if you encounter one of these animals. I'm just saying that even meeting one of these animals are really rare. But if you do, remember these tactics that can save your life.




Image result for cape buffalo

Image result for black rhino charging















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