by Marcus Brooks

Created on: July 01, 2007   Last Updated: August 15, 2008

A older man is mauled to death by a cougar in New Mexico. A jogger is attacked and killed by a grizzly bear in the Northwest. Wild animals are considered "wild" by many reasons. When encountering them, the word "wild" must be respected for being unpredictable and dangerous.

Animals are like people. They are very territorial with their space. Most don't enjoy getting their picture taken while eating grass and relieving themselves. You wouldn't want a voyeur flashing shots of you on the toilet. Animals should receive that same privacy. They should receive that same respect.

Believe all wild animals are dangerous. Always keep a healthy dose of fear with nature. In the animal world, there are two codes; fight or flight. Animals react to situations. They're prone to do one of those common traits. They're attackers if they feel cornered. Even small ones, such as squirrels and raccoons are biters when threatened. Most of them are carriers of rabies and other diseases.

Bring a nature guide on your journeys. These guides have paths located people can travel on. A guide is especially important over a vast area. If not careful, a person can get lost, and then stranded in the wilderness. At night, that could be a deadly predicament. There are dozens of cases every year of people lost in the woods dying from exposure.

People should never feed wild animals. They aren't to be fed through cages at zoos. Why should they be fed outside in space? You don't see swimmers dropping fish in the ocean to feed the sharks.

For the ones who do feed animals, sprinkle some nuts, berries or granola on the ground. Animals enjoy health food. However, don't crouch down and hold food in your palm. Either, they won't approach thinking it's a trap. Or, they'll charge and bite you. Animals would eat food left on the ground. They may not approach around company. They do when the company leaves.

If you're attacked by an animal, don't run! A human can sprint up to twenty-five miles per hour. A wolf can "average" thirty-five in a sprint. That's two legs against four legs. No way. An animal becomes an instant predator when it sees something fleeing. First, remain still and then drop to ground. Put your hands against your ears and your head down to your knees. Imitate a pillbug and curl up into a tight ball. Protect the head and body. Leave as few openings as possible. If an animal can't get into you, they can't slash or bite you.

These are simple rules for you to enjoy nature. And most importantly, stay alive.

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