[pct-l] Animal Questions

[dude at fastmail.ca (dude)]

Staven - I do not think that you are overreacting.  My wife and I 
recently had our first child and I worry about these things too now.  

A few years ago, I read about a drought that was occuring in Big Bend 
National Park in west Texas.  The drought was so severe that animals 
were acting strange and doing unusual things.  One of the things that 
the article noted was how mountain lions were so hungry that they had 
attacked serveral small children on some of the more remote trails.

I don't normally like to carry weapons.  I dont even really own any.  
However, I would consider carrying some sort of defense item to 
protect my child. But I am not sure what would be good.  Any sort of 
projectile weapon carries with it the risk of hitting your child if 
the animal is already attacking. 

My gut feeling is that prevention might work better.  Make sure your 
kids are not too far from your side (this is what other animals do). 
When you encounter wild animals like you did, make sure that you do 
not accidentally (or purposely) provoke the animals.  Do not show 
signs of fear if the animal confronts you.  Be aware of what sorts of 
dangerous animals live in the area and know how to respond to an 
encounter.  Don't attract animals by keeping a trashy (smelly) 
campsite.

hth.

peace,
dude




> I need some help and would appreciate any info or recommendations.
> 
> Recently, my wife, my 2 year old, and myself were packing out of
> Lane Trail Camp at Big Basin. About a mile out of the camp,
> something resembling a wild boar jumped across the trail in front
> of us and went into the brush on our right, while what appeared to
> be four small bob cats who were chasing it(?), fanned out and
> stayed on our left. The animal on our right stopped and was
> growling, while the ones on our left continued to approached. We
> didn't move for a few minutes, and eventually, everyone went their
> separate ways, and we continued on.
> 
> However, ever since, I've been rather freaked about going back
> out, and especially about taking out 2 year old. I don't really
> know what to think about the whole thing. I've never really
> thought about carrying anything for "defense", not that that would
> really help, but I'm really kind of spooked. Is it a good idea to
> have some kind of mace type product or something? Anyone have any
> suggestions? Any recommended books I should read? I've never
> carried more than a leatherman, so the idea is pretty new to me.
> May be I'm just overreacting?
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