Current:Home > MyAnimal attacks reported across USA this spring. This piece of advice could save your life.-LoTradeCoin
Animal attacks reported across USA this spring. This piece of advice could save your life.
View Date:2024-12-23 20:22:33
It's nearly summer in America: Schools are letting out, people are enjoying the great outdoors and animals seem to be attacking people all over the country.
Two grizzly bears mauled a man this week on a mountain trail at the Grand Teton National Park. A 9-year-old boy died after being attacked by pack of feral dogs in South Dakota. Two people suffered minor injuries a few weeks ago from a raccoon attack at a Pennsylvania amusement park. And a nearly 11-foot alligator appeared "out of nowhere" in April to bite a man's leg in Florida (someone promptly ran the gator over).
Hundreds of people die in the U.S. yearly due to animal encounters, a 2020 study published by the National Library of Medicine reports. The recent attacks show Mother Nature can be dangerous, but experts say there are ways to stay safe and respect wildlife in their habitats when recreating this summer.
Perhaps most importantly: Don't approach wild animals.
"If you see wildlife, stay away so that the wildlife can respect your and their safety," said Patrick Lendrum, a senior science specialist for the World Wildlife Fund's Northern Great Plains program, which aims to conserve and restore native prairie and wildlife. Most people's encounters with animals are positive and the potential threat of wildlife shouldn't prevent people from going out into nature this summer, Lendrum said.
Is it OK to approach wildlife under any circumstances?
Most experts say no – for the safety of humans and wildlife.
"It's recommended that you never approach wildlife, regardless of the situation," Lendrum said.
"Animals in nature are wild and can be unpredictable, no matter how calm they appear to be. Maintaining a safe distance is the best practice for the safety of you and the wildlife."
That's true even if you see an animal in distress (Lendrum says to call an expert) or you get the chance to approach a small animal (some bite or scratch humans and can carry rabies).
Does that mean you can't watch wildlife?
Not at all — if you do so from a safe distance.
If there's one place in the U.S. known for its amazing views of dangerous wildlife, it's Yellowstone National Park. America's first national park is filled with tourists who come to see fearsome creatures — including bears, bison and wolves — that can (and do) harm careless visitors.
From Acadia to Zion:What travelers should know about each of America's national parks
So where better to look for tips about how to safely watch wild animals? The park has suggested a few ways people can protect themselves from unwanted encounters with animals:
- View animals from a car instead of on land, if possible, and never approach wildlife because animals can be unpredictable. If you are outside of a vehicle, experts recommend staying 100 yards away from bears and wolves and 25 yards away from other animals.
- Avoid feeding wildlife because they may become "aggressive toward people." Experts also recommend people keep their food and garbage packed away when they are not using those items.
- Stay on trails and boardwalks when possible. And experts warn parents to keep their children close.
National parks:Grand Canyon ranked as the 'most dangerous' park, but it's not as alarming as you think
Staying safe is a little tougher if you encounter a dangerous animal by surprise, but federal officials have detailed tips about how to stay safe around bears, wolves, moose, snakes and other wildlife. Reading up before heading out into nature can help you prepare for a chance encounter.
Are big animals the only thing you have to worry about?
No, tiny insects can be dangerous too.
Mosquitoes are the deadliest animals to humans because they transmit diseases like malaria, dengue, Yellow fever and Zika. While the rates of these diseases are low in the U.S., you should still take steps to prevent bug-borne disease:
- Ticks: Ticks can be dangerous to humans because they carry illnesses, including Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, according to the national nonprofit National Forest Foundation. But you can help spot or avoid ticks by: wearing light colored clothing, treating clothing, using repellants, walking in the middle of a trail, avoiding tall grasses and regularly checking for ticks, wrote Carolyn Bucknall in an article for the organization.
- Bees and wasps: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends staying safe from bee and wasp stings by "remain(ing) calm and still if a single stinging insect is flying around," wearing light-colored, smooth finished clothing and running away if you are attacked by several bees.
Protect yourself:What animal kills the most humans per year?
Contributing: Camille Fine, Clare Mulroy; USA TODAY
Contact Kayla Jimenez at [email protected]. Follow her on X at @kaylajjimenez.
veryGood! (8)
Related
- Missing Ole Miss student declared legally dead as trial for man accused in his death looms
- The Supreme Court will hear a case with a lot of ‘buts’ & ‘ifs’ over the meaning of ‘and’
- Deion Sanders' message after Colorado's blowout loss at Oregon: 'You better get me right now'
- Usher to headline the 2024 Super Bowl halftime show in Las Vegas
- Vegas Sphere reports revenue decline despite hosting UFC 306, Eagles residency
- Did she 'just say yes'? Taylor Swift attends Travis Kelce's game in suite with Donna Kelce
- Don't let Deion Sanders fool you, he obviously loves all his kids equally
- Third Republican presidential debate to be held in Miami on Nov. 8
- Judge extends the time to indict the driver accused of killing Johnny Gaudreau and his brother
- Hollywood’s writers strike is on the verge of ending. What happens next?
Ranking
- Lululemon, Disney partner for 34-piece collection and campaign: 'A dream collaboration'
- Biden warns against shutdown, makes case for second term with VP at Congressional Black Caucus dinner
- AI is on the world’s mind. Is the UN the place to figure out what to do about it?
- Libya’s top prosecutor says 8 officials jailed as part of investigation into dams’ deadly collapse
- Shaboozey to headline halftime show of Lions-Bears game on Thanksgiving
- Ohio State moves up as top five gets shuffled in latest US LBM Coaches Poll
- Mosquito populations surge in parts of California after tropical storms and triple-digit heat
- Amazon is investing up to $4 billion in AI startup Anthropic in growing tech battle
Recommendation
-
New Jersey will issue a drought warning after driest October ever and as wildfires rage
-
Feds open investigation into claims Baton Rouge police tortured detainees in Brave Cave
-
Leader of Canada’s House of Commons apologizes for honoring man who fought for Nazis
-
Scientific dynamic duo aims to stop the next pandemic before it starts
-
Rita Ora Says Liam Payne “Left Such a Mark on This World” in Emotional Tribute
-
1st and Relationship Goals: Inside the Love Lives of NFL Quarterbacks
-
Toddler and 2 adults fatally shot in Florida during argument over dog sale, authorities say
-
He spoke no English, had no lawyer. An Afghan man’s case offers a glimpse into US immigration court