How people should respond when encountering a large carnivore: opinions of wildlife professionals

摘要: Abstract : We conducted telephone surveys of wildlife professionals who work with large carnivores to ask their opinions about how people should respond avoid being injured when confronted by a black bear (Ursus americana), grizzly arctos), mountain lion (Puma concolor), or gray wolf (Canis lupus). The respondents agreed that the most appropriate response was try increase distance between person and carnivore. In event an attack bear, lion, wolf, said fight back. Opinion divided over best for individual attacked but slight majority back if predatory be passive defensive; however, also noted many victims would unable identify bear’s motive. If came into camp, aggressively encourage leave against enters tent at night, regardless species. Respondents unanimously pepper-spray is effective in defending attack. While any encounter carnivore can fatal involved, we believe selecting right course action increases odds victim escape without injury.