Mountain Lion Dangers and how to defend yourself against a Mountain Lion attack
About the Mountain Lion or Cougar Unlike bears (see defense against bear attacks here), Mountain Lions (also known as cougar, puma, mountain lion, mountain cat, catamount or panther) usually go after a person with the intent to eat ; They tend to stalk their victim before the attack and they…
Bear Dangers and how to defend yourself against a bear attack
About Bears Forget the generic bear defense tips you read on other sites. Although there are many common defense strategies, how you defend yourself against a bear attack depends on the species of bear. In addition, poor wilderness etiquette can increase bear dangers for your fellow outdoorsmen so you must…
Terebra Shells
Terebra shells Terebridae species These shells are found in both temperate and tropical waters. They are similar to cone shells but much thinner and longer. They poison in the same way as cone shells, but their venom is not as poisonous.
Cone Shells
Cone shells Conidae species These cone-shaped shells have smooth, colorful mottling and long, narrow openings in the base of the shell. They live under rocks, in crevices and coral reefs, and along rocky shores and protected bays in tropical areas. All have tiny teeth that are similar to hypodermic needles.…
Portuguese Man-of-War
Portuguese man-of-war Physalis species Although it resembles a jellyfish, the Portuguese man-of-war is actually a colony of sea animals. Mainly found in tropical regions; however, the Gulf stream current can carry it as far as Europe. It is also found as far south as Australia. The floating portion of the…
Blue-ringed Octopus
Blue-ringed octopus Hapalochlaena species This small octopus is usually found on the Great Barrier Reef off eastern Australia. It is grayish-white with iridescent blue ringlike markings. This octopus usually will not bite unless stepped on or handled. Its bite is extremely poisonous and frequently lethal.
Weever Fish
Weever fish Trachinidae species The weever fish is a tropical fish that is fairly slim and about 30 centimeters (12 inches) long. All its fins have venomous spines that cause a painful wound.
Toadfish
Toadfish Batrachoididae species Toadfish are found in the tropical waters off the coasts of South and Central America. They are between and 25 centimeters (7 to 10 inches) long and have a dull color and large mouths. They bury themselves in the sand and may be easily stepped on. They…
Tang or Surgeonfish
Tang or surgeonfish Acanthuridae species Tang or surgeonfish average 20 to 25 centimeters (8 to 10 inches) in length, with a deep body, small mouth, and bright coloration. They have needlelike spines on the side of the tail that cause extremely painful wounds. This fish is found in all tropical…
Stonefish
Stonefish Synanceja species Stonefish are found in the tropical waters of the Pacific and Indian oceans. Averaging about 30 centimeters (12 inches) in length, their subdued colors and lumpy shape provide them with exceptional camouflage. When stepped on, the fins in the dorsal spine inflict an extremely painful and sometimes…
Siganus Fish
Siganus fish The siganus fish is small, about 10 to 15 centimeters (4 to 6 inches) long, and looks much like a small tuna. It has venomous spines in its dorsal and ventral fins. These spines can inflict painful stings.
Scorpion Fish or Zebra Fish
Scorpion fish or zebra fish Scorpaenidae species Scorpion fish live mainly in the reefs in the Pacific and Indian oceans. They vary from 30 to 90 centimeters (12 to 35 inches) long, are usually reddish in coloration, and have long wavy fins and spines. They inflict an intensely painful sting.
Rabbitfish
Rabbitfish Siganidae species Rabbitfish are found predominantly on the reefs in the Pacific and Indian oceans. They average about 30 centimeters (12 inches) long and have very sharp spines in their fins. The spines are venomous and can inflict intense pain.
Stingray
Stingray Dasyatidae species Stingrays inhabit shallow water, especially in the tropics, but in temperate regions as well. All have a distinctive ray shape, but coloration may make them hard to spot unless they are swimming (Stingrays settle into the sand). Shuffling your feet, rather than stepping, to avoid stepping on…
Dangerous Sea Animals
Dangerous Fish and Mollusks Fish and mollusks may be one of your major sources of food. Therefore, it is wise to know which ones are dangerous, what the dangers of the various fish are, what precautions to take, and what to do if you are injured by one of these…
