Shout At An Elephant: This Is How To Survive If You Come Face To Face With These Dangerous Animals In The Wild

With over 60% of Americans residing in cities, most don’t encounter animals in the wild daily. Encounters with wildlife are more likely during vacations, where animals like raccoons, deer, and alligators can pose a threat if provoked. 

Black bears are found throughout North America, while brown bears inhabit forests in the northern United States. And in Alaska, you may spot a polar bear. Unfortunately, as the population of the U.S. grows, human-bear accidents increase. 

Cougars can be spotted all across the United States and are also known as pumas, mountain lions, or panthers. Despite their intimidating size, these 200-pound cats are more afraid of you than you are of them. 

Moose can be found in the forested areas of the Northeast, upper Midwestern states, Rocky Mountains, and Alaska. These giant mammals can appear intimidating, weighing up to a staggering 1,800 pounds and sporting antlers as wide as 6 feet. 

American bison inhabit the Great Plains region and are the largest indigenous land mammal in North America, weighing up to 2,200 pounds. Do not let their size fool you–these animals are not slow. They can run at a speed of up to 40 miles per hour! 

Elk are found mainly in the western United States, mostly in protected habitats. While elk might appear gentle, they can be dangerous. When facing an elk in the wild, be in a group with your companions, avoid eye contact, and walk away slowly while keeping an eye on the elk for any signs of aggression. 

North America has three deer species–white-tailed, mule, and black-tailed. They inhabit a wide range of areas and are a relatively common sight for most Americans. However, drivers should be especially cautious in deer habitats to avoid dangerous collisions. It’s recommended to drive with your brights on when possible. 

Wild pigs, or feral swine, were introduced to the U.S. by early settlers in the 1500s and have now spread to more than 35 states, with most of them being concentrated in the South. These omnivores threaten the environment as they eat almost everything in their path and may cause damage to wildlife and habitats. 

North America is home to four different types of foxes, but encountering them during the day is uncommon since they typically run away from humans. Nevertheless, foxes can pose threats to domestic animals such as chickens, guinea pigs, and rabbits. 

Coyotes are cunning creatures located all over the United States, from the prairies to the cities. Despite living near humans, they tend to remain hidden from view. If you encounter a coyote and it doesn’t run away, make yourself appear as large as possible and try to frighten it by shouting, waving your arms, or throwing small rocks. 

Once widespread across North America, gray wolves are now primarily found in specific regions such as Alaska, northern Michigan, northern Wisconsin, western Montana, northern Idaho, northeast Oregon, and Yellowstone National Park. Meanwhile, red wolves can be found in eastern North Carolina. 

American alligators lurk throughout the southeastern United States, while crocodiles are only present in Florida. Despite some physical differences, both alligators and crocodiles are members of the crocodilian family and possess powerful jaws. 

Different types of sharks inhabit the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, and although they may seem frightening, it’s unlikely they will attack you. And even if you are unlucky enough to face this horror movie star, it’s possible to survive a shark encounter by swimming away calmly if the shark doesn’t show aggression. 

Various types of owls can be spotted all over North America, but it is uncommon for them to attack people. They usually prey on small rodents like rats and mice, although they may target small dogs if they are desperate and will even attack the dogs’ owners if they interfere. 

Raccoons are a common animal seen across the United States, but they are not as threatening as bears or cougars. However, they can carry the rabies virus, so it’s best to avoid interaction with them.

Opossums are primarily nocturnal animals and are found in the eastern, central, and western parts of the United States. They are the only marsupial in North America and are generally not aggressive, often playing dead rather than attacking when encountered. 

Many types of snakes can be found across North America, but you only need to keep safe from the venomous ones like coral snakes, rattlesnakes, and copperheads. The best thing to do when confronting a snake, venomous or not, is to give them more than enough space to escape and avoid interfering with them. 

Feral cats are the descendants of stray cats that did not have any human contact. They can be found almost anywhere in the world. These cats aren’t safe to handle as they are often too afraid of people and may become aggressive if approached. 

Stray dogs, similar to feral cats, can be found anywhere in the world. These dogs are either lost or abandoned and have adapted to living on the streets. They are mostly found in low-income and rural areas. In some cities, their numbers can be rather high. 

Brown rats were introduced to the United States in 1775 and have since populated the entire country. These omnivorous rodents are skilled at living among humans due to consuming almost anything. However, be careful because rats can transmit various human diseases, like hantavirus, salmonellosis, and Lassa fever. 

Scorpions are found in the southern and southwestern United States. While all species are venomous, only the bark scorpion can cause serious damage. Adults stung by most scorpion species don’t need medical attention, but children and the elderly may experience a severe reaction. Symptoms such as pain, swelling, and tingling are normal. 

Black widow spiders are commonly found in the southern and western temperate regions of the United States. They are known for the red hourglass marking on their backs and their venomous bites. 

Despite their seemingly gentle appearance, elephants are quick and easily agitated creatures. If confronted by an elephant, it’s important to stay calm and hold your ground. The animal may flap its ears and make aggressive noises, but usually, it will only charge at you as a show of force. 

Hippos cause more loss of human life in Africa than any other wild animal. Avoid encountering a hippo by staying away from their watery habitats, as they see any intrusion as a direct threat. 

When faced with a lion, it’s vital to make direct eye contact and not break it. Slowly back away without turning your back or running, as sudden movements might trigger an attack. Lions may do one or two mock charges before launching a full attack, running toward you, and stopping abruptly a few paces away. 

Leopards are solitary and stealthy hunters. They use the element of surprise when they hunt, which makes it difficult to spot them before they’re too close.  Remember this is not a lion, so it’s important not to make direct eye contact, as this may be seen as a challenge.

Rhinos are pretty menacing. They have large intimidating horns and intimidating faces. They also have thick skins. But these highly defensive body parts perhaps came at a price. Rhinos can’t see well beyond a hundred meters. 

Depending on your distance from the animal, running away from a Kangaroo could be futile. Here’s what you should do if one charges at you. First, make your body slimmer to its eyes by facing it sideways. This action will keep your sensitive organs and face out of harm’s way. 

The DNA of Chimpanzees is 98% like those of humans. But that doesn’t count if these mammals get angry at you. Chimpanzees can inflict life-altering injuries on humans and animals alike. If one is unlucky, their attacks could end a life. 

If you have reason to venture into Koala territory. Especially around one of their favorite trees, the Eucalyptus, you should keep your guard up. As lovely as these mammals can be, they could be pretty aggressive. 

You aren’t likely to encounter a hyena while you walk on the streets except if you live in some rural parts of Africa or are on a Safari trip. The best way to survive a hyena attack is to prevent one. Hyena jaws are super powerful and built to crush the bones of even larger animals, and therefore, humans will be no match.