This is the 15^th and last in a series of my encounters with wildlife of our natural world that surrounds us. Yes, some were planned, however, most were not. These stories were written not only for YOUR enjoyment, but to show you the potential predicament in which one can get themself. If you, the photographer, are in the field every weekend and travel a couple of months of the year……You, too, will have a group of similar stories to tell.

There is not one professional photographer that will not tell you to know your subject. This not only helps one become better from behind the lens, but it can also save your life.

Think back to some of these stories…..now put yourself in my shoes…… What would you have done in some of those circumstances?

Sure the bobcat would have scratched me up a bit if it had not run away. The elephant seal, even as old as I am, I think I could still out run. The elephant charge gone wrong……Well what can I say…..we would have been on the CB asking for help to upright a vehicle. The buffalo, I was prepared to jump. What about the sea lion…..1500 pounds grabs you and jumps in the water. What about the bear…..700 pounds grabs you, you better know how to polka.

Now I am a pretty big boy……6’3” and 270 pounds and I used to wrestle and know judo. I have looked down the barrel of a gun more than once. I don’t scare easy is what that states. However, in just about all cases I had a plan in which I was ready to engage.

Every one will tell you too, DO NOT RUN. They will also tell you to inflate your size ( make yourself look as big as possible), make a lot of noise, and feint an attack.

My plan was when the animal reached my flight or fight perimeter…..I had the camera detached from the tripod. It happened twice in my career. It never escalated to where I had to swing it because the noise scared them away. With my hand wrapped around the lens, and swinging it from left field.…… I was focused on the tip of the nose. This happens to be the most sensitive part of the body. I feel that with all my power behind it that I can break a jaw and some teeth be driven into the throat. It might hurt enough that they might back away and feel out classed. However, it might also make them really mad. Then it is time to say your prayers. Also with the camera and the tripod detached, leave the tripod between you and the animal. It might take its rage out on the tripod and forget about you and can retreat to a safe spot.

Remember your safety comes first…….ALWAYS have a plan…….No Image is worth an encounter. You can replace a camera but not your life.