Following the recent cases of lions encroaching on human settlement and the Friday attack on a Nairobi resident, Kenyans.co.ke has compiled key steps on how to survive a lion attack.
In case you encounter a lion attack, the first step is to remain still and not run. However difficult that might be, it could be the most important step towards repulsing the wild cat.
According to experts, lions charge at their victim while making loud roars in an attempt to instill fear and make them cow away to ease the attack. Nonetheless, you should not run or turn your back on the animal since its faster than any human being.
“No matter how scared you are, do not run, and do not turn your back to the lion,” says a report on Discover Wildlife.
Maintain eye contact while assessing the mood of the animal. Lions which feel threatened will often swish their tails back and forth, much like your cat does. Lions that are hunting try to stay as still as possible, holding their tails rigid.
Retreat from the animal in slow steps while facing it, shouting for help and waving your arms in the air in order to make yourself appear bigger.
"If you have frozen and then lion is not approaching but not leaving either then start to back slowly away. If it starts to move then freeze immediately. Raise your arms above your head and wave them and most importantly shout your head off," says an expert.
Predators are often afraid of getting hurt and will hunt terrified prey, so exuding confidence will help and the big cat might end up fleeing from you.
It is advised that you should avoid seeking refuge by climbing a tree since some of the lions are good climbers and such a decision would worsen the situation.
Experts further warn against using fire to scare away animals. As per the wildlife report, lions are not afraid of light and will roam around campfires in search of prey.
