Five Ways to Ward Off a Wild Animal Attack

JUNE 22, 2007 — -- Mountain lions, elk and bears are fun to look at in the zoo, but out in the wild, these beautiful animals can turn into a camper's worst nightmare.

A week ago, in Utah's American Fork Canyon, 11-year-old Sam Ives was mauled to death by a black bear that dragged him from his tent. In another incident the same week, Georgia father Chris Everhart killed a 300-pound bear with a block of firewood that tried to attack his sons on a camping trip.

So what do you do if you come face to face with a dangerous wild animal? Better yet, what can you do to keep them away from you and your loved ones in the first place?

Animal attacks aren't a common occurrence, but there are some simple things you can do to have a safe and enjoyable camping experience, said Al Nash, a Yellowstone National Park spokesperson.

1. Pepper spray, for bears. Pepper spray isn't just for human attackers. In fact, it can be used to open a window of escape from an attacking animal.

"We encourage people to carry pepper spray, not in your pack though -- you need it on your hip," said Nash. "It's very large, they sell pepper spray in large canisters designed specifically for bears…it's a way to get the bear to back away if you find yourself up close and personal."

2. Stop what you're doing, and back away. Backing away from an animal is the best way to escape. Keeping the animal in your sight is key, said Nash.

"Try not to run, especially from bears, because prey run," said Nash. "If you are at a point where the bear comes at you, drop to the ground, curl up -- pull your knees to your chest, interlock your fingers and put your hands behind your neck. This is a good way to protect your most vital areas and organs."

3. Containers are key. It's all about keeping food, garbage and toiletries inaccessible. Yellowstone National Park strongly enforces rules that keep wild animals away from campsites. Officials say the staff patrols the campgrounds and confiscates food and other items left unattended.

"If there is no food out, there is no temptation," said Nash. "With no food, bears don't learn to equate people with food, so they don't come into a campsite looking for something to eat."

4. Use a zoom lens instead of your legs. Nash said the most common occurrence of animal attacks is when people get too close.

"In this park, people pull off to the side of the road because they see a big animal," said Nash. "We work very hard to remind people there is a safe distance between them and big animals, but people get excited because they have an opportunity to see something here that they don't have anywhere else."

5. Buddy system. Hiking alone isn't a good idea. Exploring in groups is safer.

"If you are hiking, especially in bear country, hike in groups," said Nash. "Making noise is good, especially if you can't see that far ahead of you, it's about not surprising the animals -- if they know people are coming they are going to avoid you."