Encountering bears and snakes – the right behavior is important
Encounters with animals during an outdoor trip are not uncommon, and it is even safe to say that sooner or later everyone will have the pleasure of such an encounter. Pleasure? That's right, because not every animal is waiting with a blood-smeared snout and sharpened claws to kill you with a targeted bite and drag you to the nearest shelter.
Animals are all too often punished with untruths and images created by films that contain almost no truth. It all depends on how you behave in the presence of your animal friends. Just like when dealing with other people. " Tit for tat !" is the usual saying.
WOLFGANGS has taken a closer look at some encounters with animals for you.
The snake - only when it has to be a "killer"
Snakes are one of the animals that people often have a lot of prejudices about. In many people's stereotypes, they appear as poison-spitting and deadly creatures that have no other intention than to rush out from under the undergrowth and deliver the next precise bite to your calf. However, if you spend a longer period of time in their territory, you will quickly notice that this legendary " killer " of the forest is nowhere to be found most of the time. Snakes are extremely shy animals and therefore stay away from people.
Humans are not part of the snake's prey pattern and are therefore perceived as dangerous objects rather than as a fresh feast strutting through the forest. However, as humans are staying in their homes during a stay in nature, it is only fair that certain rules are followed. Or do you immediately put your feet up on the coffee table when people invite you for the first time?
Encounter with a Snake
Since snakes often bask in the sun on paths, even these shy animals can encounter one in rare cases . In such cases, it is important to give the snake enough space and not to unnecessarily encircle it or get too close to it. You can gently alert the snake that it is blocking your path by making stamping noises, for example. Alarmed by these noises, it will usually move very quickly and slither away. Never try to block the snake from a possible escape route or throw objects at it.
The bear - often a misunderstood animal
Jaws can tell you all about it. The poor guy not only filled cinemas all over the world, but also caused plenty of fright and sleepless nights with his big screen debut. His initially aggressive demeanor, coupled with not so pretty-looking teeth, gave Hollywood the perfect framework for a new super villain. This is also the case with the bear, which you won't find in German forests, but feels right at home in not-so-distant countries such as Sweden and Norway. Because many outdoor trips take place in bear territory, it is important to know how to behave if you encounter this misunderstood animal.
Bears, like snakes, are basically very shy animals that normally avoid contact with people. It could only be dangerous if you get too close to the young animals or, for example, cut off the path between them and the mother bear. The bear immediately tries to protect its young, which is nothing wrong from a character perspective. Wouldn't you want to protect your children from strangers too?
It is important to make yourself known regularly in bear territory by clapping, whistling or even talking so that the bear can flee early enough. Since bears are very good at detecting sounds from a great distance, this gives them valuable time to get away.
Encounter with a bear
If you do encounter one, it is important not to run away quickly. This will trigger the bear's hunting instinct and will not cause it to leave you alone. Stand still and do not look the bear directly in the eyes. Make yourself tall and slowly wave your arms above your head. Hiking sticks are also a good way to make yourself appear even taller. Try to walk away from the bear in slow backward steps. If it follows you, stop briefly, speak to it in a slow and calming voice and try to make your way back.
Do not try to distract the bear from you with food bait. This could only make it even greedier and not leave you alone. Escaping up a tree is also not recommended, even if you would classify your climbing skills as majestic. Believe us when we tell you that the bear will beat you mercilessly in this discipline.
In addition, behavior in camp can also be crucial. Never leave food supplies in the tent or outside. Even the smell of toothpaste can attract bears. If possible, try to hoist food up into the treetops using a carabiner and a rope. Bears can be very hungry, especially shortly after they have finished hibernating. Avoid making your camp look like a bear kiosk.
