If you encounter a Komodo dragon, the worst thing you can do is run. Yeah, you heard that right. The Komodo dragon is the world’s largest lizard and can be found on the islands of Indonesia. They’re fast and surprisingly agile. if you try to flee, you’ll be seen as their prey. They’ve got powerful jaws, sharp teeth and a fearsome reputation – and are capable of taking down prey a whole lot bigger than themselves. If you come face to face with one of these beasts, its best to slowly back away from the dragon while keeping an eye on it. The Komodo dragon is a dangerous creature, but it’s not the only animal you need to be wary of in the wild. From the lethal venom of sea snakes to the ferocity of lions and crocodiles, the animal kingdom is unforgiving to those who aren’t prepared. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this episode, we’ve got 12 more essential tips to help you survive and thrive in the face of danger.
No Splashing
If you find yourself in piranha-infested waters, you’d better keep your splashing to a minimum. Piranhas are attracted to the movement of water, mainly splashes and thrashes. This triggers their predatory instincts and makes them more likely to attack. Try to move slowly and smoothly through the water, avoiding sudden movements. You handled that pretty well. How about something bigger?
Swallowed by a Whale
If you’re swallowed by a whale, your first instinct may be to panic, but you have to keep your wits about you to even think of escaping. Sperm whales have 18-26 teeth on each side of their jaws, and each tooth is capable of turning you into chewing gum. Bring your arms and legs into your body as tightly as possible and lower your chin to your chest. This will minimize your body’s surface area and decrease your chances of getting chomped by the whale’s teeth.
Stay Out of Kicking Range
Horses may seem the least threatening of all the animals on this list. But one kick from a ticked-off horse will have you singing a different tune. In order to know if a horse is about you give you the boot, look out for rapid tail movement, pawing, and lowering its head while moving its neck. If you see these signs while you’re in kicking range, it was nice knowing you.
Don’t Look It In The Eye
If you encounter a tiger in the wild, it’s important to remain calm and avoid eye contact. Tigers may see direct eye contact as a threat, and it can provoke them to attack. Instead, try to back away slowly while keeping the tiger in your peripheral vision.
Don’t Pet the Baby
Kangaroo mothers are incredibly protective of their babies, called joeys, and will become aggressive if they feel their offspring are threatened. If you see a kangaroo with a joey, it’s best to observe from a distance and avoid approaching them. Unless you want to suffer mama’s wrath.
How to Remove a Tick
After spending time outdoors in tall grasses, check your body for ticks. Pay special attention to your scalp, behind your ears, under your arms, and around your waistband. You might find a nasty surprise. If you find a tick attached to your skin, you’ll need to remove it properly. Use tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull it straight out. Make sure you don’t twist or jerk the tick, as this can cause its mouthparts to break off and remain in your skin. OK, this one is freaking me out. Next tip!
Classic Lion Behavior
A lion’s ears can tell you a lot about its mood. If a lion’s ears are relaxed and pointing forward, it’s feeling pretty chill. However, if a lion’s ears are flattened against its head, it feels aggressive and may prepare to attack. Check the lion’s vibe by studying how it stands or moves. If a lion is standing tall with its head up and tail relaxed, it is likely not feeling threatened by you. However, if a lion crouches with its head low and tail twitching, it may be preparing to pounce.
Remove the Barb
Get your tweezers back out. You need to do another extraction. If you are stung by a stingray, you should first remove the barb if it is still lodged in your skin. This will help minimize the amount of venom that enters your body.
Take the Long Way Home
Watch where you step. Crocodiles are most commonly found near the water’s edge, so it’s important to avoid walking near the water if you’re in an area where crocodiles are known to live. If you need to cross a river or stream, look for a shallow spot to cross. Safer still, use a bridge if one is available. You may be adding time to your commute, but at least you’ll have all your limbs intact.
Don’t Suck
I know you’ve seen it in movies a thousand times, but don’t suck the venom out of a snakebite wound. Sucking out venom, like that of the saw-scaled viper, is only going to introduce your gross mouth bacteria into the wound, increasing your risk of infection. The best course of action if you’re bitten by a saw-scaled viper or any other venomous snake is to seek medical attention immediately.
Extra Vinegar
If you’re stung by a box jellyfish, rinse the affected area with vinegar. Vinegar can help to neutralize the venom and prevent it from spreading further into your body. Oh, and do not pee on a victim! It’s an urban myth, and it’s just gross.
Get Out of The Water
Finally, if you’re swimming in the tropical waters of the Indian or Pacific Oceans and get bitten by a venomous sea snake, the last thing you want to do is stay in the water. Typical symptoms of sea snake bites arise within the first three hours and can include muscle pain, blurry vision, and paralysis, which in case you forgot, is not good when in the water. This can make it difficult to swim and even cause you to drown. Seek medical attention immediately. Time is of the essence when dealing with a nasty sea snake bite.
