Nature reserve safaris are exciting journeys. Now the popularity of walking safaris has also grown, which are even more thrilling. This great adrenaline rush, however, comes with an increase in danger. Although most lions flee from humans, even when they are on foot, an attack is always possible. Knowing how to react in advance can save your life.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Stay in Your Territory
Step 1. Don't panic
If a lion were to charge you, you would feel immense fear. Do whatever you can not to panic. Keeping calm and thinking clearly helps you to save yourself. If you know what awaits you, then it is easier to remain "impassive". For example, know that the lion roars as it attacks. This might make the ground shake under your feet, but at least you know it's normal behavior.
Step 2. Don't rush
Stay still. You have to take control of the situation and prove to the animal that you are a threat. Turn around so that you are side by side with the lion and clap your hands, shout and wave your arms. This way, you will look bigger and more dangerous in his eyes.
The behaviors of these felines vary from region to region. The very popular tourist areas are home to specimens that are more accustomed to the presence of vehicles and therefore also less fearful of humans. However, many lions who first encounter humans can launch a simulated attack. If you show them that you are dangerous, you can dissuade them from doing this
Step 3. Back off slowly
Do not turn your back on the animal. Keep waving your arms and screaming as you slowly walk away by moving sideways. If you start running, the lion will sense your fear and chase you. Always show yourself as a threat as you retreat.
Always move to an open area and never to a wooded area
Step 4. Always be alert
The lion may try to charge you again as you try to retreat. If this happens, scream with your whole voice and raise your hands again. Scream in deep, belly sounds. At this point, when the animal gives up and turns around, you stop being "aggressive". Turn to the side and walk away, this way you avoid the confrontation.
Method 2 of 3: Fighting During an Attack
Step 1. Stand up
If the above advice did not bring the desired results for any reason, then the lion could attack. If this happens, stay upright. The animal will most likely point to the throat or face. This means that he will have to take a leap and you will see this huge feline in full. Although the idea alone is terrifying, this way you will be able to observe it well; if you were crouched, you would have less chance of defending yourself from an attack from above.
Step 2. Aim for the muzzle
When the lion jumps on you, defend yourself. Hit or kick while he is pouncing on you. Aim for its snout and eyes, without ever stopping, to free yourself from the predator. Obviously his strength will be considerably greater than yours, but the blows to the head and eyes should have a great effect and cause the lion to leave you.
Step 3. Get help immediately
In the past, humans have managed to defend themselves against lion attacks and these individuals have been able to receive immediate medical attention. In particular, if the lion has managed to bite you, your first concern must be to stop the bleeding. Immediately deal with any deep gashes caused by his teeth or claws.
Step 4. Request psychological support
Even in the event of a "false attack", it is worth turning to a psychologist for help. It is not easy to overcome this type of traumatic experience and it is also very rare to be in a similar situation. With such support you will be able to leave it behind.
Method 3 of 3: Avoid the Attack
Step 1. Stay away from the lions that are mating
In a moment of the genre, both the female and the male are extremely aggressive and can react for a trifle. There is no specific time of year when lions breed. In any case, it is very easy to understand when the mating season is, as a lioness in heat mates up to 40 times a day for several consecutive days.
Step 2. Don't go near the puppies
A mother is very protective and may need more space than usual. If you see a lioness with her young, find a way to get as far away as possible and avoid an attack.
Step 3. Be very alert at night
Lions are mainly nocturnal animals. The hours of darkness are those in which they prey. The lions they are hunting are more likely to attack humans as well. If you find yourself in an area densely populated by these animals during the night, arrange a watch to avoid being taken by surprise.
Warnings
- Don't pretend you're dead, or you will be dead in the end.
- Do not kill or hunt a lion or shoot it because it is an endangered species.
