The word “wild” suggests unforeseen danger that we don’t expect to have. As for wild dogs, they are quite far from the term men’s best friends that we usually use. That is because they are different, and of course, dangerous to humans. If you happen to explore the forest or in the “wild”, make sure you know about dangerous wild dogs. So in case you see one or the whole pack, you will be able to make a run somewhere safe. Below is a list of 4 dangerous wild dogs that can harm you, check them out.
1Coyote
Coyote is both a gregarious and solitary animal, and their aggressive behavior is similar to that of foxes and highly social wolves. When hunting large prey, coyotes often work in pairs or small groups. The unique thing about coyotes is that they approach from the front when attacked, by lacerating their prey’s head and throat. Coyotes tend to avoid humans, but it is nothing pleasant if they decide to attack.
Coyotes are a potential danger to people as they are one of dangerous wild dogs. Just like what they do to their prey, coyotes will aim for the neck when attacking humans. Children are their main victims, for example, an attack on a three-year-old named Kelly in California. From time to time, urban coyotes are losing their fear of humans due to intentionally or unintentionally feeding them. In such situations, some coyotes have begun to act aggressively towards humans.
There have been cases of coyotes chasing joggers and bicyclists or confronting people walking their dogs. The worse part is some coyotes begin stalking small children as well, especially those who are under 10. Some even bit the adults, and that is not what any of us what to experience at all. If you live in areas where there might be chances of coyotes showing up, get repellents or build fences.
2Hyena
With the well-known nickname of a man-eater, hyenas are one dangerous wild dogs that you don’t want to encounter. There are four species of hyena: striped hyena and spotted hyena, which are the dangerous ones as they are predatory and more aggressive. While brown hyena and aardwolf (also a hyena) are not known to prey on humans at all.
Striped and spotted hyenas both attack women, children, and infirm men, while some do attack healthy adult males on some occasions. Also, hyenas have attacked people who are camping out and are asleep. When attacking a human, they tend to bite off a part of their face or another sensitive body part before they start eating the victim.
The scary part of hyenas is their giggles, hyenas laugh to signal excitement that they have found food. Hyenas are one highly intelligent and social animals, and their ability to coordinate hunts enables them to kill prey very easily. They are very timid when they are alone, but they are total bullies when they are in groups.
3Jackal
This species is a medium-sized omnivorous animal that feeds on both meat and fruit that they can find. They are the predators of small to medium-sized animals as well as proficient scavengers. Jackals have long legs and curved canine teeth that they use for hunting small mammals, birds, and reptiles. These wild dogs have large feet and fused leg bones that allow for long-distance running at a great speed of 16km/h.
As opportunistic predators, jackals usually attack in packs and work as a group. Each member of the pack takes one part of the body before stretching the victim out. Back in the last decade, there were over 200 reports of jackal attacks on humans in eastern India alone. Despite the fact that there was no fatal attack, we all should be aware of these dangerous wild dogs.
4White Wolf
Also known as Arctic Wolf, this majestic-looking wolf is also among the dangerous wild dogs as well. You can find them in most northern parts of the wolf’s range in the Arctic Circle, Northern Canada, Alaska, and Northern Europe. Normally, white wolves hunt lemmings, assorted rodents, and Arctic hare. However, they also hunt larger prey like caribou or musk ox as well. When hunting larger prey, they will gather packs and work as a team to hunt together.
White wolves are less scared of people than most wolf subspecies, and that means they are not afraid to come closer. Just so you know, all wolves are potentially dangerous to humans although attacks are rare. They usually leave you alone, but you never know when they decide to have you for lunch. Remember that their bite force is strong and they are fast runners, don’t get too close if you see one.
Basic Things To Do When Encounter Wild Dogs
Like we have mentioned above, wild dogs are extremely dangerous especially when they are in packs. The first thing to NEVER do when you see wild dogs are running, so here are a few things that you should follow. The points below are to keep the dog calm, and those include:
- Don’t make direct eye contact, wearing sunglasses helps a lot because they look like large unblinking eyes.
- Do not smile because it shows your teeth which equals threatening and provoking the dogs.
- Don’t approach, make a sudden move, or shout at them.
Also,
Turning your back, acting afraid, or trying to run away will show weakness and trigger them to come closer. Instead, try to find things around that you can use as weapons and shields. Get something to wrap around your forearm, protect your face and neck because those are the parts they will bite. Most importantly, no matter what you do, do not fall on the ground because the pack will start feasting on you. In case you fall, protect your neck and roll around quickly before you get up.
If you are a large person or you are sure you can protect yourself, keep your balance and attack them. You can shove a stick, knife, or even your arm (last choice of course) down its throat. Also, you can use their strategies to attack them back by striking their throat, face, and eyes. Try calling out for help as you protect yourself in case someone will hear you. If you survive the attacks, get yourself to a hospital immediately because there’s a good chance rabies may be in play.
