Summary

Clear, field-tested actions for meeting bears, mountain lions, moose, bison, snakes, alligators, sharks, and coyotes—what to do, what never to do, and when to leave.

Content

Preface
In wild country we are guests, not protagonists. The task is simple and austere: notice early, give space, and act without panic. The rules below are brief by design—memorize them, then step lightly.

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The Golden Rules (Read First)

• Give animals room: 25 yards from most wildlife; 100 yards from bears, wolves, and mountain lions. If it reacts to you, you are too close. National Park Service+2National Park Service+2

• Keep dogs leashed; never feed wildlife; store food correctly. National Park Service

• If an animal approaches, back away slowly; do not run—except from moose and alligators (details below). National Park ServiceFWC

• Carry and know how to use bear spray in bear country (effective range ≈ 25+ ft). National Park Service+1

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Bears (Black & Grizzly)

Do: Stay calm; speak in a steady voice; back away. Carry bear spray and deploy it as a drifting cloud at ~25–60 ft if a bear charges. National Park Service+1
If attacked:

• Black bear—do not play dead; escape to shelter if possible; otherwise fight back, targeting the face/muzzle. National Park Service

• Grizzly/brown—if it’s a defensive attack (you surprised it, food/cubs nearby), play dead; if the bear appears predatory or the attack continues, fight back. (Use spray whenever you can.) National Park Service

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Mountain Lions (Cougars)

Stand your ground; make yourself large (raise arms, open jacket), maintain eye contact, speak firmly, and do not run. Pick up small children without bending over. If attacked, fight back. U.S. Fish and Wildlife ServiceNational Park Service

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Moose

Back away and yield the trail. If a moose charges, run and put a solid object (tree, car, boulder) between you and the animal; if knocked down, curl up and protect your head. Don’t fight—let it lose interest. Alaska Department of Fish and GameNational Park Service

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Bison (and Elk)

Do not be deceived by calm posture: bison are fast and often injure visitors who get close. Stay 25 yards away (minimum) and never approach for photos. National Park Service

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Snakes (Venomous)

If you see one, stop and slowly step back; do not attempt to handle it.
If bitten: call for help and go to a hospital immediately. Do not apply a tourniquet, cut/suck the wound, apply ice, or use electric shock. Keep the limb at rest. CDCJohns Hopkins Medicine

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Alligators

Assume any freshwater in the Southeast may hold alligators. Keep pets away; never feed. If an alligator approaches on land, run away in a straight line; if it bites, fight back hard, aiming for the eyes and snout and make noise. FWC+1Ask IFAS - Powered by EDIS

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Sharks (Rare but Serious)

In the water, stay calm, maintain eye contact, and back away slowly with smooth movements; exit the water when safe. If a bite is imminent or occurring, strike the eyes or gills and get immediate medical care. Florida Museum

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Coyotes & Wolves

• Coyotes (urban edges): Do not run. Haze—stand tall, shout, wave arms, throw small objects (not food), and keep hazing until the animal leaves. Keep pets leashed. WDFWHumane World for Animals

• Wolves (parks/backcountry): Stay 100 yards away. If a wolf is too close and shows little fear, stand tall, wave, yell, throw objects, and prepare to use bear spray; do not run. National Park Service