The easiest way to stay safe around wild animals is to not get near them at all. Keep a safe distance from all animals whenever possible. Use binoculars and watch from a distance to enjoy the beauty of animals without risking injury.
Many animals chase prey that runs. If you do come face to face with a wild animal, do not turn and run, but instead back away slowly, without turning your back on the creature. If you turn your head, you are inviting an unexpected attack.
While it may seem tempting to feed the seemingly hungry animals, doing so can result in injury. Also, feeding animals hurts their overall survival ability, as they lose the skills necessary to hunt and begin instead to depend upon people to feed them.
Keep all food at your camp in a high location or locked within your car. If animals smell food, they may be drawn to your camp. Pick up any food waste after your meals to ensure that animals are not inadvertently drawn to the tasty scraps.
Do not set up camp along a game trail or at the edge of a popular water source. Placing your camp directly in the path of a wild animal increases the likelihood that you will receive an unexpected, and likely unwanted, visitor.
If you are cornered by an animal, pepper spray can give you an easy out. Carry a spray container with you as you explore the great outdoors. While you do not want to rush to use this tool, you can turn to it if you are faced with an imminent animal attack.
You should always seek medical attention if bitten by any animal. While the animal may seem healthy, many wild animals carry diseases that, if left unchecked, could lead to serious health problems for bite victims.
