Lions, Tigers and Bears...Oh My!?

Question

I am leaving in less than a month to study abroad in South Africa. I have heard that on occasion lions wander into the city where I will live. If I should see a lion wandering about, does anyone know what to do? Especially if it should walk up to me?

Thank you!

Answer 1

I would check with the local officials and advisors about this
and other important things you should know about the area (where to call for help or emergency, etc.)

The mistake made when the tiger attacked the Las Vegas performer was that he fell below the "eye level" of the tiger, and thus triggered predatory instincts to attack. So it is important never to be lower to ground level, or you will be viewed as a target or prey.

I understand it helps to appear as tall and as big or large as possible, so I would try to stay on higher ground than the lion or tiger. Again, I would ask the locals about safety procedures.
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Here are two examples of what I found for "Mountain Lion":
http://www.answers.com/topic/mountain-lion

Puma safety tips

Do not hike alone; go in groups with adults supervising children. When hiking, appropriate clothing for rough terrain will aid in movement and evasion.

If confronted by a puma, do not run; that might stimulate its instinct to chase, and they can quickly outrun any person. Instead, stand and face the animal, but do not make eye contact (experts suggest looking at the feet).

Don't "play dead." Pumas are likely to eat a human who plays dead. This behavior is similar to that of Black bears, but unlike Grizzly bears.

Pick up young children without bending or turning from the puma (if possible). (Comment: When under an attack by a dog, experts recommend NOT picking up a child; because that act may be interpreted as you attacking, which would encourage the dog(s) to join in the supposed attack. Instead place yourself between the animal and the child. Whether or not this applies to cougars is open.)

Do everything possible to appear larger or intimidating, including raising arms wildly, opening up jacket, and throwing stones and branches.

Do not crouch down or bend over; this may create the appearance of an ordinary quadruped prey rather than a typically non-prey biped.

Fight back if attacked. Pumas have been repelled with rocks, knives, firearms, sticks, garden tools, kicks, and bare hands.
Install motion-sensitive outdoor lighting.

Keep pets from roaming and never feed pets outside. Be wary when leaving pets outside, particularly at dawn and dusk.

Do not climb a tree, as pumas can climb better than humans.
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http://www.azstarnet.com/sn/printDS/12154

Wildlife experts recommend the following in areas with mountain lions:

°Travel with a companion and avoid dawn, dusk and evening hours.

°Do not approach a lion - and back away slowly.

°Do not run from a lion, since it may mistake you for prey.

°Do not bend over or crouch down, even to pick up children.

°Make yourself appear larger by opening a jacket, raising your arms and speaking loudly and slowly.

°Throw rocks or sticks to discourage predatory behavior. If attacked, fight back with whatever is at hand and try to protect your head and neck.

Answer 2

I would think that you should run and hide.