Can You Scare Wild Animals With Impressive Moves?

Most wildlife will flee from you the moment they become aware of your presence. This is particularly true for predators like grizzly bears and polar bears, which view humans as potential threats. Martial arts moves or any other 'impressive' stunts might not hold the attention of animals like grizzly bears. They can't distinguish a martial arts move from a dance move; they might as well be watching you perform the Moonwalk.

Grizzly Bears and Coastal Brown Bears

Experiences in Alaska have taught me that attempting to intimidate or impress a grizzly or coastal brown bear with 'impressive' martial arts moves is highly unadvised. After the initial laughter and mockery, the bears might see you as an easy target. The outcome could be disastrous, as they might consider you a meal invitation.

Personal Experience with Bear Attacks

I have survived two bear attacks in my remote mountain cabin, both involving predatory bears. To survive, one must rely on being woods-wise and a bit of luck. Trying to scare off wild animals, especially carnivores, with 'impressive' moves, is a recipe for disaster. It's unwise to provoke such animals with unimpressive actions as they can easily interpret your behavior as a challenge and respond with aggression.

Confidence Over Fright

There are instances where showing confidence can be effective against predators. Predators are accustomed to prey fleeing and might be at a loss on how to react if they encounter an animal that doesn't run away or show fear. To scare off some smaller predators, like coyotes, you can act confidently, even performing silly stunts such as splits, cartwheels, backflips, or rap break dancing. Nodding confidently or shouting might also do the trick.

For bears, experts suggest not acting like prey. If you stay calm and do not run, you might be able to outwit the predator. Cats can even scare away bears with confidence, as predators are accustomed to fleeing prey. Their unexpected behavior can throw predators off balance.

Coyotes: A Cautionary Tale

Living near a creek, I have observed coyotes that are accustomed to human presence. Despite my efforts to scare them with feeble rock-throwing attempts, they stay mostly unbothered. However, when I pursue them while screaming, they become nervous and retreat into reeds. This demonstrates how confident body language can sometimes deter smaller predators, albeit in a comedic way.

Remember, when dealing with wild animals, it's crucial to prioritize safety and respect for the wildlife's natural behavior. Attempting to entertain or impress them with human moves is not a substitute for understanding and respecting the true nature of predators. To protect yourself and your surroundings, stay informed and prepared.