-
Do not panic and do not make sharp moves.
-
Do not run away – an animal can chase you instinctively.
-
Try to stand still, to “freeze”.
-
Do not look animal directly in the eyes. Look at the neck or at the whole body, but not into the eyes.
-
If you see a wild animal while it still did not notice you, try to move away, making as little noise as possible.
-
If a wild animal sees you but shows no aggression, stand still, then move away with no sharp moves.
-
Do not turn your back to a wild animal until you are at least 10 metres (30 feet) away. Safe distance between a human and an animal is considered 70-80 metres (80-90 yards)..
-
If a wild animal demonstrates clearly aggressive behaviour, defend yourself with fire or loud noises: shout, whistle, bang a stick over a tree. In severe danger you can climb a tree or enter a water.
Snakes never attack first or chase humans. Even being irritated, a snake only makes hisses and small “dives” in a direction of danger. Snakes bite only when human steps on them or tries a hand catch.
Encountering a snake – stand still, give it a time to crawl away. If a snake shows aggression – slowly step away with no sharp moves.
Remember: the dangerous snake is the one you do not see. A spotted snake is a minimum danger.
Do not run away from a spotted snake: you can be in danger of stepping on another one you did not see.
Do not protrude your hands forward and do not turn your back on a snake. If you have a stick in hands, hold it in front of you, directing at snake.
Be calm in your decisions, actions and gestures.
In case of a snake bite
An injured person should be put to a complete rest and provided with plenty of water. Medical assistance should be called as soon as possible. Do not burn or cut the wound, trying to sack away venom. Limit injured person’s mobility to slow down the spread of venom. Apply sterile bandage over the wound. Immobilize the bitten extremity
Ticks dwell in grassy and shrubby areas. They are carriers of the number of severe diseases. Neatly covered body parts and use of repellent sprays are the best protection. Ticks are unable to bite thru thick clothes. Yet on an exposed body tick is searching for the thinnest possible lay of skin – and bites. It is very hard (virtually impossible) to feel the bite. As such, it is strongly recommended to perform periodic checks on each other during forest walks. Upon return perform another check, be specifically attentive for elbow and knee soft insides, areas behind ears, hair, head temples and back of the head.
Precautions:
-
For forest walks wear closed shoes and clothes that cover your body parts. Use head cover and socks that fit tight. If possible, tuck your trousers in your shoes. It is not recommended to take indoors freshly gathered flowers, wreaths and other natural materials where ticks can dwell.
-
If you found a tick on your body, you can remove it by yourself or ask for medical attention. If a tick sits tight, put a thread or tweezers against its head and slowly rotate it counter-clockwise. (Removed tick can be forwarded for a study). The must is – not to crush a tick
-
After a bite consult a doctor as soon as possible to prevent infection spread.