Protect Yourself Against Dangerous Animals
21
Compiled by: Alex Volker This could save your This could save your life! life! The following pages highlight some common mistakes made by people working in the bush.
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10 Mistakes people sometimes make whilst working in the bush.
Transcript of Protect Yourself Against Dangerous Animals
Compiled by:Alex Volker
This could save your life!This could save your life!
The following pages highlight some common mistakes made by people working in the bush.
Compiled by:Alex Volker
10 Mistakes made in the bush
Walking on roads, not in the bushSleeping zipped up in sleeping bagNot wearing boots whilst restingWeapon not loaded whilst restingAssuming to be safe from predatorsCooking and sleeping in the same placeUsing the same camp night after nightCamping on game trailsCamping too close to waterIgnoring warning signals from animals
Compiled by:Alex Volker
10 Mistakes made in the bush
1. Walking on roads, not in the bush
Walking on the roads leaves a visible trail for poachers and the repeated use of the same roads leaves a clear scent trail for predators. Predators under normal conditions fear humans, but circumstances, such as older animals that are unable to hunt their prey normally or those that have lost their respect for people may be the exception.
Do not walk on roads unless it is necessary!
Compiled by:Alex Volker
10 Mistakes made in the bush
2. Sleeping zipped up in sleeping bag
Situations may arise where quick reactions are required after waking up in an emergency. A zipped up sleeping bag impedes motion and traps the individual temporarily. A person can easily be attacked in a sleeping bag by man or animal and if it is used as a blanket as opposed to a bag, getting out is easier.
Always keep sleeping bag unzipped!
Compiled by:Alex Volker
10 Mistakes made in the bush
3. Not wearing boots whilst resting
It is more comfortable to sleep without boots on especially after walking in them for the entire day. It is advisable to take your shoes off for some time to air your feet or wash your socks, but once you go to sleep you should wear them in case you have to react fast.
Always keep boots on when sleeping!
Compiled by:Alex Volker
10 Mistakes made in the bush
4. Weapon not loaded whilst resting
It’s better to have a weapon and not need one than needing a weapon and not having one. It is absolutely vital to have a loaded weapon ready at night to defend oneself if the need arises, especially whilst sleeping.
Keep weapon loaded when sleeping!
Compiled by:Alex Volker
10 Mistakes made in the bush
5. Assuming to be safe from predators
A game fence is effective to contain some antelopes, but of very little value to keep people or many predators in or out. Leopards can easily cross a fenced boundary as can elephants and lions. Letting one’s guard down by having faith in a game fence is foolish.
Expect the unexpected… Always!
Compiled by:Alex Volker
10 Mistakes made in the bush
6. Cooking and sleeping at the same place
It is advisable to cook in a river bed. All evidence of one’s presence can easily be hidden or buried and anti-tracking performed, before moving off to ambush position. This way the scent of fire and food does not advertise one’s presence.
Never sleep where you cook!
Compiled by:Alex Volker
10 Mistakes made in the bush
7. Using the same camp night after night
In order to stay undetected and not advertise one’s position, the camp should be moved at least every second day. In this way, spoor does not consistently lead to ones temporary base and the human scent is not as strong.
Move camps every second day!
Compiled by:Alex Volker
10 Mistakes made in the bush
8. Camping on game trails
It is tempting to set up camp in an easily accessible area, such as on a game trail. This practice is not advisable, because during the night predators or poachers prefer prowling on these paths.
Do not set up camp on a game path!
Compiled by:Alex Volker
10 Mistakes made in the bush
9. Camping too close to water
There are many risks to sleeping close to water. Animals move there regularly. Poachers set snares around water. Rivers flood unexpectedly. Hippo’s or crocodiles are most dangerous near water and most predators ambush prey near drinking spots
Camp a safe distance from water!
Compiled by:Alex Volker
10 Mistakes made in the bush
10. Ignoring warning signals from animals
Animals send out warning messages to people or other animals when they feel threatened, using unique signals. This also serves to alert each other of danger. These signs should always be heeded or taken notice of to be alerted of a disturbance in the area.
Always be aware of animal warning signals!
Compiled by:Alex Volker
1. Do not walk on roads unless it is necessary!
2. Always keep sleeping bag unzipped!
3. Always keep boots on when sleeping!
4. Keep weapon loaded when sleeping!
5. Expect the unexpected… Always!
6. Never sleep where you cook!
7. Move camps every second day!
8. Do not set up camp on a game path!
9. Camp a safe distance from water!
10. Always be aware of animal warning signals!
