Tips on how survive wild animal attacks.

Here are 13 tips you should know to survive wild animal attacks. Many wild animals can be dangerous, even deadly. If you look at the statistics, it can be alarming. Sharks, for instance, cause just six deaths a year, making their dangerous reputation quite exaggerated. Wolves are responsible for 10 deaths annually, while lions kill 22 people each year. But get ready for this: elephants, those gentle giants, are responsible for over 500 deaths every year, and hippos match them in this grim competition. Crocodiles, surprisingly, are more dangerous than sharks, causing about 1,000 deaths annually. But the deadliest of them all is the snake, with a staggering 100,000 people losing their lives to snake bites each year.

To help you prepare for any unexpected encounters with wild animals, I’ve compiled 13 tips that could save your life:

**1. Sharks:** The good news is that out of 150 species of sharks, only 20 are known to attack humans, and most don't see you as food. However, if a shark is interested in you, it can be difficult to escape. Avoid attracting sharks by keeping blood or urine out of the water, as they can detect these from miles away. If you encounter a shark, don’t turn your back on it or try to escape in a panic, as this will make you look like prey. Instead, move slowly, and if attacked, aim for the eyes and gills, the most sensitive areas.

**2. Kangaroos:** Surprisingly, kangaroos can be a threat if you enter their territory and they feel threatened. To avoid conflict, cough quietly and briefly, as this will make the kangaroo think you’re sick, and it’s less likely to attack. Slowly back away, making yourself appear smaller, but don’t turn your back and run; kangaroos are excellent jumpers and will easily catch up.

**3. Lions:** If you encounter a lion, maintain eye contact and don’t turn your back or look away. Try to make yourself look bigger by raising your arms or jacket. Speak in a loud, confident voice, and make gestures. This unusual behavior might confuse the lion and make it see you as an irritant rather than prey.

**4. Elephants:** Elephants are intelligent and usually friendly, but they can attack, especially if they feel their young are threatened. Pay attention to their body language; if their trunk is curled and their ears are pulled back, they’re likely to charge. If an elephant approaches, don’t run. Instead, try to find something to act as a barrier, like a tree or a large rock.

**5. Rhinoceroses:** Rhinos have poor eyesight, which makes them easily startled and prone to charge. They can reach speeds of 37 miles per hour, making them hard to outrun. Your best bet is to hide behind a tree, which is a significant obstacle for them. They also won’t pursue you through bushes or tall grass.

**6. Hippopotamuses:** Despite their seemingly cute appearance, hippos are extremely dangerous. They can run at speeds of 18.5 miles per hour and are easily angered. During hot weather, avoid bushes where hippos might be hiding due to drought. If threatened, climb a tree, rock, or steep hill and wait until the hippo leaves.

**7. Bulls:** Contrary to popular belief, bulls react to movement, not color. If a bull charges at you, stand still and use your hat, shirt, or another item as a decoy. When the bull gets close, throw the item away from you; the bull will likely follow it instead.

**8. Jellyfish:** A jellyfish sting can cause a long-lasting, painful burn. Contrary to the myth, urinating on the sting won’t help. Instead, rinse the area with saltwater, as fresh water can worsen the pain. Use tweezers or a stick to remove any remaining jellyfish tentacles, and apply antihistamine ointment if you have it.

**9. Alligators or Crocodiles:** These animals have the strongest jaws on the planet, making escape difficult. If caught, aim for the eyes and throat, their most sensitive areas. If you see one approaching on land, make as much noise as possible and run in a zigzag pattern. If you spot one while swimming, avoid splashing and move away quietly to avoid drawing attention.

**10. Snakes:** Most snakes aren’t dangerous, and people often get bitten when trying to catch them. If a snake is following you, stomp your feet to create vibrations that will confuse it. If bitten, don’t try to suck out the venom. Instead, wash the bite with running water, apply a tourniquet, and seek emergency medical help.

**11. Bears:** Although bear attacks are rare, they can happen. If you encounter a bear, don’t run, as it will trigger their predatory instincts. Instead, drop to the ground and curl into a ball, using your hands to protect your neck. Play dead, even if the bear tosses you around, as this will make you less of a threat.

**12. Gorillas:** Gorillas are the kings of the jungle and typically won’t attack unless provoked. To avoid this, sit down to appear smaller, avoid direct eye contact, and speak in a soft voice. If a gorilla approaches or attacks, curl into a ball; they usually won’t harm what they perceive as weak or defenseless.

**13. Bees:** Bees will defend their hive if they feel threatened, and dark clothing can attract them. If bees start following you, seek shelter in a dark place, as they’re less likely to follow you there.

I hope you never have to use these tips, but now you’re better prepared to protect yourself in the wilderness. Share this information with your friends to help keep them safe, and don’t forget to like and share this story—you never know, it might save someone’s life.