Do you know what to do when you cross paths with a black bear? A grizzly bear? How about a hungry mountain lion?
You’re supposed to stare directly into a wolf’s eyes to assert dominance, right? Or was that for coyotes? Hmm…
If you’re like most Americans, you have way more questions than answers when it comes to facing a touch-and-go encounter with dangerous predators in the backcountry. And truth be told, the best practices you need to follow change dramatically from predator to predator, and species to species.
Black bears require a totally different approach than you’d use with a grizzly. The key is knowing how when to do what during a dangerous animal encounter.
Here’s a handy guide to some of the most dangerous animals you’re likely to run across in your adventures in North America and how to defuse, de-escalate, and survive an encounter.