Common Mistakes: Errors Tourists Often Make When Encountering Wild Animals

For lions and wild buffaloes, running implies accepting failure almost certainly. Redirect the animal by creating loud noises.

Travel Advice: Common Errors Tourists Make When Facing Wild Animals

Here are tips from wildlife experts on dealing with and protecting yourself when encountering wild animals:

Lion

Maintain direct eye contact without interruption. Retreat slowly, never turn your back to the lion, and absolutely refrain from running. Lions typically observe their prey before pouncing. In such a case, extend your arms to appear larger, while making plenty of noise to divert the predator's attention.

Buffalo

When facing a herd of wild buffaloes, the only option is to run and accept failure almost certainly. You can't wrestle with this fierce and massive creature. However, if you manage to climb a tree in time and hide up there, you stand a chance of escaping unscathed.

Leopard

In contrast to lions, never stare directly into a leopard's eyes as it interprets it as a sign of challenge. Stay still. If the leopard approaches, make yourself look larger and create a lot of noise.

Elephant

Stay still and show courage. Elephants tend to flap their large ears close to the victim for exploration. In this case, shout loudly and make a big noise. If you're lucky, the elephant will leave and spare you.

Hippopotamus

With a speed of up to 50 km/h, finding a hiding spot and climbing a tree are the two safest options.

Shark

When under attack by a shark, the victim should punch the nose forcefully as it is the most sensitive part of the shark's body.

Crocodile

Victims often have little chance of escaping death if attacked by a riverbank-dwelling crocodile. However, if you survive the first assault, run as fast as you can because crocodiles have a rather slow speed, only about 15 km/h.

Poisonous Snake

If you spot a venomous snake, retreat slowly while creating ground vibrations to divert its attention. In case of a bite on the leg or arm, stand upright or position the bitten body part lower than the heart to slow the flow of venom in the blood. Capture a photo of the attacking snake and take it to the nearest hospital so that doctors can easily determine the required antivenom.

Poisonous Spider

Victims often only discover a poisonous spider after being bitten. In such cases, wash the wound with soap and water, then apply a cold compress and promptly seek medical attention.

Source: Vnexpress

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Travel Reference: Mytour Travel Handbook