Why do animals attack humans in the wild?

Human-wildlife conflicts are becoming more common, especially as climate change and resource shortages affect both animals and people. Recently, there have been several alarming incidents of animals attacking humans in the wild, prompting a closer look at why these encounters occur. One such incident involved Keri Bergere, a 60-year-old woman who was biking with friends on the Tokul Creek trail in Washington. Out of nowhere, two cougars appeared. While one of the cougars ran away, the other lunged at Keri, pulling her off her bike. Her friends were helpless to intervene at first, but they quickly sprang into action. They struck the cougar with sticks, dropped a heavy rock on it, and even used a small knife to try to free Keri. After a harrowing 15 minutes, the cougar finally released its grip, allowing Keri to escape. However, she suffered severe and permanent nerve damage to her face. In another incident, Vanessa Chaput was out for a run with her dog in Yukon when she encountered three grizzly bears. Knowing the dangers, she tried to keep her distance. Unfortunately, her dog got loose, and one of the bears charged at her, biting her head. Fortunately, a claw clip she was wearing broke in the bear's mouth, startling it enough to let her go. Vanessa managed to escape with multiple injuries, including puncture wounds and a broken bone. Neither Keri nor Vanessa provoked these attacks; they were simply unfortunate victims of surprise encounters with wild animals. Experts categorize these incidents as defensive attacks, which occur when carnivores and humans unexpectedly cross paths, leading to instinctive defensive behavior from the animal. Chris Servheen, a retired grizzly bear recovery coordinator for the US Fish and Wildlife Service, explains that these types of attacks are the most common. Typically, the bear's instinct is to neutralize the perceived threat and then flee. While bears involved in such encounters are rarely euthanized, both the cougar and the grizzly bear involved in these incidents were put down. As human populations expand and resources become scarcer, these tragic outcomes may become more frequent. Human-wildlife conflict has already led to significant declines in wolf populations in various regions, and the situation is dire in the southern hemisphere. Despite the media attention surrounding these attacks, the actual number of incidents remains low. A study conducted in 2023 revealed that only a small percentage of animal attacks result in human fatalities, with large cats like lions and cougars being responsible for the majority of these deaths. There are several factors that contribute to carnivore-human attacks, some of which can be prevented. For instance, attacks involving mothers protecting their young or animals guarding food sources can often be avoided if people maintain a safe distance. However, when carnivores begin to see humans as a food source, the situation becomes more complicated. As animals become accustomed to human food found at campsites or in trash bins, they lose their natural fear of humans, leading to more dangerous encounters. The saying 'A fed bear is a dead bear' highlights the risks associated with feeding wildlife. Predatory attacks, where a carnivore views a human as prey, are quite rare, accounting for only a small percentage of attacks in North America since 1955. A recent example of a predatory encounter involved a mountain lion that attacked a man in California, marking the first such incident in 20 years. Additionally, people often put themselves at risk by trying to take pictures with or feed wild animals in national parks, which can lead to the animals being euthanized out of precaution. Research indicates that many of these attacks could have been avoided if humans had reacted differently. A study from 2017 found that risky behaviors, such as leaving children unattended outside or walking an unleashed dog, significantly increase the likelihood of dangerous encounters with large carnivores. The majority of coyote attacks, for example, involve dogs. The data shows that attacks by large carnivores have steadily increased from 1950 to 2019, although this may be partly due to increased reporting of wildlife-human conflicts. Several key factors contribute to this rise. In recent decades, conservation efforts have successfully increased carnivore populations. For instance, the number of grizzly bears in the lower 48 states has quintupled in the last 40 years. However, the influx of people moving from urban areas to rural settings often leads to a lack of understanding about how to coexist with wildlife. This can result in careless behaviors, such as leaving unsecured trash that attracts animals. Climate change also plays a role, as it alters animal behavior and habitats. For example, bears may emerge from hibernation earlier than usual, leading them to search for food in populated areas. In low-income countries, where agriculture and livestock are prevalent, human-carnivore conflicts are more common due to the overlap of habitats. This creates a cycle of violence, where livestock producers may resort to killing wildlife to protect their livelihoods. Experts agree that simply removing animals after an attack is not a viable solution. This approach can lead to population declines and even extinction, as seen with certain species in the past. Instead, it is crucial to find ways to prevent conflicts and promote coexistence. Understanding the behavior of local carnivores and taking precautions can significantly reduce the risk of dangerous encounters. For instance, when camping, it is essential to store food properly, carry bear spray, and keep dogs on leashes. Following general guidelines, such as traveling in groups and avoiding outdoor activities during dawn and dusk, can also help. If someone encounters a wild animal, they should maintain a safe distance and avoid approaching it. Preventing animals from becoming habituated to human presence is a significant challenge, especially as more people move into their habitats. Community programs have been developed to educate residents on living safely with wildlife, including securing trash and avoiding leaving food outside. If a person does encounter a large animal, they should not run away, as this may trigger a predatory response. Instead, they should try to appear larger and make noise to scare the animal off. In the event of an attack, the appropriate response varies by species. For example, if confronted by a grizzly bear, playing dead may be the best option, while fighting back against a cougar is more likely to be successful. Ultimately, fostering peaceful coexistence between humans and wildlife requires respect and understanding. As the dominant species, humans must take the initiative to create a harmonious relationship with the natural world.