12/05/2025
*HOW TO AVOID DANGEROUS ANIMALS*
This is a question many people ask – what should I do if I encounter a buffalo, elephant, leopard, or lion?
In short, buffaloes and elephants are very common animals. However, encountering a buffalo in human settlement areas is rare, unlike elephants and carnivores, which tend to leave protected areas in search of food. So, what should you do if you meet any of these animals?
1. *LION* – If you encounter it face to face:
📌Stand upright and stay calm – don’t run, it will see you as prey (and you can’t outrun it anyway).
📌Look directly at it, but not aggressively, show confidence.
✍🏽Speak in a calm, low voice to show you're not easy prey.
🦠Back away slowly – do not turn your back.
📸If it approaches quickly, shout loudly, spread your arms or clothing to appear larger – even wave a cloth or tissue if you have one.
2. *ELEPHANT* – If you meet it at close range:
🐾Don’t shout or make sudden movements – elephants respond strongly to threats.
🐾Stay still or slowly retreat behind a large tree or rock.
🐾If it charges mockingly, stand your ground – it may stop before reaching you.
🐾If it’s a real charge (serious attack), run sideways – elephants are not good at quick direction changes.
*NB*: If the elephant has a calf, is injured, or is in musth – just get out of there, even if it shows mock charge signs. (Next time we’ll discuss how to tell mock from real charge.)
3. *BUFFALO* – If you face it directly:
🐾Don’t run straight away – it will chase you powerfully and fast.
🦠Quickly hide behind a tree, rock, or anything solid.
📌If you're in the open, climb a tree quickly if one is nearby.
🐾Use loud noise or wave something (like a cloth or hat) to confuse it before making a side escape.
🐾If it's zero distance and no way out – lie down, roll, and shift to the side.
*NB*: A buffalo doesn’t bluff – it’s always serious. It’s one of the most dangerous animals. If you hear it snorting – it’s either you or it
4. *LEOPARD* – If you meet it closely:
🐾Stand upright and don’t turn your back.
🐾Leopards fear humans unless provoked or extremely hungry.
🐾Speak calmly to show you’re not afraid.
🐾Do not make sudden loud noises – it might attack out of fear.
🐾Back away slowly, keeping your eyes on the trees – they can attack from above.
🐾Don’t even scratch yourself – it might think you’re picking a weapon. Stay relaxed, don’t even reach into your pocket.
*In short*: A beast is a beast. Never trust wild animals. Distance is extremely important – always keep it between you and the animal.
