Anatolian Shepherd and Kangal dogs are the preferred breeds to deter cheetah attacks. [2] X Research source
bandages of varying sizes disinfectant medical gloves antibiotic ointment sterile gauze pads hand sanitizer a first aid manual an eye shield a thermometer tweezers finger splints scissors
A young cheetah might test your vehicle, jumping on it or gnawing its fenders. Let the cheetah do so undisturbed. It will eventually grow bored and leave.
If you are on a walking tour, stay close to your guide or a member of your group. Cheetahs tend to attack individuals who are isolated from the rest of their group. [5] X Research source Never wander off the trail or follow a cheetah if you see one nearby.
This behavioral pattern is known as predator avoidance and is effective no matter the cheetah’s sex or age. Lions are perceived as a bigger threat to cheetahs than hyenas. The lion’s roar should be the preferred audio recording you utilize to dissuade cheetah attacks.
Don’t make any sudden movements or show any sign of fear. Get somewhere safe. [10] X Research source Cheetah attack on zoo worker covered up, Al Oeming says lie saved cat’s life. Edmonton Journal. Get back in your car or find other shelter. Don’t bother climbing a tree – cheetahs cannot climb as high as other big cats, but can still scale any tree you can at a much faster speed.
If you are armed, utilize your weapon. Pepper spray should be your first line of defense since cheetahs are an endangered species. Do not kill the cheetah unless it is actively attacking you or a member of your group. Kick the cat firmly in the chest just before it makes contact with you. This will knock it back and, hopefully, make it think twice about attacking you. [11] X Research source If using a knife, strike the cheetah in the eyes or neck. If unarmed, go for the eyes, plunging your thumbs into its eye sockets and gripping it around the back of its head. Punch the cheetah in its head and nose. [12] X Research source
Protect your neck while on the ground. Cheetahs kill their prey by clamping down on their victim’s neck with their powerful jaws, suffocating it. [15] X Research source
If you are not the immediate object of the cheetah attack, you should do everything you can to remove the cheetah from the other member of your party. Cheetahs are scared by large groups and an attacking cheetah will likely break off its attack when it sees it is outnumbered. Strike the cheetah in its head or side to remove it from your friend. Take the cat’s tail firmly in your hand and pull hard. Reach your hand over the back of its head and plug its nostrils. Unable to breathe, the cheetah will abandon its attack. Spray water on its face. [17] X Research source Do not use firearms against a cheetah who has a friend pinned. The risk of inadvertently hitting the victim is too great.
Cut away any clothing to clean the wound if necessary. If the bite severed a body part such as a finger, wash it in clean water, wrap it in tissue, and place it in a plastic bag. Pack the bag in ice. It may be possible to reattach it later. If jewelry is present, remove it to prevent the constriction of blood vessels in the event of swelling. Pay attention to your condition. If you feel lightheaded, weak, or dizzy, you may pass out due to blood loss or shock. Don’t move too suddenly following your attack unless it is to extricate yourself from immediate danger.
You will need to staunch the bleeding with a clean, dry cloth. Elevate the wound and apply even pressure for 15 minutes. Time your application of pressure with a clock. If blood soaks through the first cloth, apply another without removing the first. After 15 minutes, check to see if the wound has stopped enough for bandaging. [20] X Research source If it has not, continue to press the wound in 15-minute intervals until bleeding has slowed enough to apply a bandage.
An X-ray might be called for to check for broken bones. If the animal’s rabies immunization status is unknown, your doctor will need to check for evidence of rabies by killing the cheetah in question and studying its brain. If the cheetah was rabid, you are in serious danger and must receive a full battery of vaccines immediately. Once symptoms start, your chances of survival are limited.
