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Speaker 1
Hey, Gemini, I I'm recording this for a podcast. Is that okay?
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Speaker 2
You're recording for a podcast? Sounds great. What's the topic you have in mind?
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Speaker 1
So I just spent some recent time, in the wilderness, in an area, that has grizzly bears. And I've never been in a place that had grizzly bears. So they're a little bit scary. And I did a little bit of research and found it interesting that you treat a grizzly bear differently than you do, like a black bear, for instance.
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Speaker 1
So I wanted to kind of go down the rabbit hole of different types of wildlife encounters and how you should handle them.
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Speaker 2
That's a great idea for a podcast. It's definitely important to know how to handle different wildlife encounters. Should we focus on a specific type of environment, like the forest or the ocean, or keep it more general?
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Speaker 1
Well, let's keep it super practical and start with the general Central Texas area. Let's start with only animals that can kill you. And, I would like to go biggest to smallest.
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Speaker 2
Okay. For central Texas, focusing on the deadliest animals from biggest to smallest, we'd start with mountain lions, which are rare but dangerous. Then there are venomous snakes like rattlesnakes and coral snakes. Finally, we have to consider mosquitoes, which can transmit deadly diseases like West Nile virus.
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Speaker 1
Yeah, the mosquitoes are definitely super annoying, but, we're not going to go into those.
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Speaker 2
Okay, so focusing on the deadliest animals in central Texas that can kill you besides mosquitoes. We have mountain lions, venomous snakes, and what else?
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Speaker 1
Okay, why don't we start with mountain lions? Can you describe the. I don't know if there's an average mountain lion attack, but can you describe what a mountain lion attack entails?
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Speaker 2
Okay. Mountain lions are ambush predators, so attacks are often swift and unexpected. They typically target the head and neck using their powerful jaws and sharp claws. Should you encounter one, it's crucial to appear large and threatening. Make noise and never run.
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Speaker 1
So, you probably would not see a big cat coming.
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Speaker 2
That's right. Mountain lions are stealthy hunters. They rely on the element of surprise. So you likely wouldn't see or hear one coming before it's too late. That's why prevention and knowing what to do during an encounter are so important.
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Speaker 1
Okay, let's go into prevention. Since, it's just going to pounce on you and, like, bite your head and crunch you.
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Speaker 2
Okay. Prevention is key when hiking in mountain lion territory to avoid surprising them. Hike in groups and keep children close. If you see a mountain lion, don't run. Make yourself look big and back away slowly.
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Speaker 1
Should you turn around and back away? Or don't ever do that.
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Speaker 2
Yes, you should definitely turn around and back.
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Speaker 1
Gemini, can you, pick up where you left off?
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Speaker 2
I didn't catch that. Could you repeat?
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Speaker 1
Gemini, can you pick up where you left off?
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Speaker 2
Okay, so we've covered how to handle a mountain lion encounter. Should we move on to venomous snakes, or did you want to discuss something else about mountain lion?
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Speaker 1
No. We barely touched on mountain lions. Let's get into, I think you said protection was avoid surprising them traveling groups and keep an eye on small children.
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Speaker 2
Yeah. That's right. To recap, the best way to avoid a mountain lion attack is to make noise while hiking. Travel in groups and keep children close. If you do encounter a mountain lion, remember to stay calm. Make yourself look big and back away slowly.
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Speaker 1
What is the normal prey for a mountain lion in central Texas?
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Speaker 2
In central Texas, mountain lions primarily prey on deer, but they'll also hunt smaller animals like raccoons, rabbits, and even livestock. If the opportunity arises.
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Speaker 1
Deer are, pretty big. How did the mountain lions know to avoid humans?
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Speaker 2
Mountain lions are naturally wary of humans, so they'll usually avoid that. They rely on their excellent hearing and sense of smell to detect our presence from quite a distance.
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Speaker 1
Why would a mountain lion attack a human?
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Speaker 2
That's a good question. Mountain lions generally avoid humans, but there are a few reasons why they might attack. Sometimes they mistake humans for prey, especially if the person is small or running. In other cases, they might attack if they feel threatened or cornered, or if they're protecting their young.
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Speaker 1
They seem pretty observant. Do they really think that a person is a deer?
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Speaker 2
It's rare, but mountain lions can sometimes mistake humans for deer, especially in low light conditions, or if the person is running, which triggers their instinct to chase.
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Speaker 1
Okay, let's go into that instinct to chase.
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Speaker 2
Sure. Mountain lions are ambush predators, meaning they rely on stealth and surprise to catch their prey. When they see something running. It triggers their instinct to chase. Which is why it's so important not to run. If you encounter one.
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Speaker 1
Yeah, I definitely growing up with cats and dogs too, but cats definitely have that, innately in them.
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Speaker 2
That's right. Cats have a strong chase in.
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Speaker 1
Gemini. Can you, continue the sentence you left off?
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Speaker 2
Catch that? Could you repeat it?
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Speaker 1
Can you continue from the sentence that you left off of before you just cut out?
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Speaker 2
Oh. Got it. You were asking about the chase instinct in cats. It's definitely strong in them, even if they're not hungry. This instinct is likely related to their survival as hunters in the wild and.
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Speaker 1
How do they know what not to chase? Then?
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Speaker 2
That's a good question. Mountain lions are intelligent predators and learn from experience. They likely avoid chasing things that are too big, too fast, or too dangerous to catch.
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Speaker 1
So if you're a small human, they're more likely to go after you.
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Speaker 2
Yes, that's right, mountain lions are more likely to attack a small human as they might mistake them for prey. That's why it's especially important to keep children clothed and supervised in mountain lion territory.
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Speaker 1
Okay. Let's put, let's say, a hypothetical situation I am in, in a general, like kind of a wooded area, maybe somewhere where they would be, like perched up on a rock and I turn around. I don't really have any good weapons on me. Maybe a small knife, and I see a cat lunging at me. A large one.
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Speaker 1
What do I do?
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Speaker 2
Okay, so you're in a wooded area and a mountain lion is lunging at you. First, try to make yourself look as big as possible by raising your arms and opening your jacket. Yell loudly and throw anything you can at it. If it attack, fight back with everything you've got, focusing on its eyes and nose.
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Speaker 1
Okay, why? The nose is a sensitive spot for them.
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Speaker 2
Yes, the nose is a very sensitive spot for mountain lions. It's full of nerve endings, so a blow to the nose can be very painful and disorienting. Giving you a chance to escape.
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Speaker 1
Interesting. What kind of blow to the nose would you recommend?
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Speaker 2
The firm direct blow to the nose with your fist or any object you have available would be most effective. The goal is to cause pain and disorientation, giving you a chance to create some distance between you and the mountain lion.
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Speaker 1
Just give them as good of a butt as you can.
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Speaker 2
Yes, you'd want to hit the nose as hard as you can. Any object you have available can help with this. The goal is to cause pain and disorientation, which will give you a better chance to escape.
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Speaker 1
Is there anything else that's vulnerable besides her face?
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Speaker 2
Yes. The eyes are also a vulnerable spot. Aim for the eyes if you can. As an attack to the eyes can cause pain and disorientation. Just a reminder that I don't provide medical advice or diagnoses. You should always talk to a medical professional.
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Speaker 1
Okay. And what if the box of the face doesn't work? Just keep popping them in the face.
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Speaker 2
The blows to the face aren't ineffective. Try to grab any object nearby to use as a weapon. Aim for the same vulnerable. Spot the eyes and nose and fight back with everything you've got. The goal is to create an opportunity to escape.
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Speaker 1
Okay. I think that we've covered mountain lions pretty good. Let's go down the list to coyotes. Attack humans. Ever since.
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Speaker 2
Yes, coyote attacks on humans are rare, but can happen, especially if the coyote is sick or injured or feel threatened. Should you encounter one, it's best to make yourself look big and scary and make loud noises to scare it away.
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Speaker 1
What other kind of large predators like the mountain lion or a bear or something like that, are in central Texas?
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Speaker 2
Besides mountain lions, Central Texas is home to bobcats, which are smaller but still formidable predators. There are also black bears, though encounters are less common. Of course, we can't forget about alligators in the eastern part of the region.
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Speaker 1
Okay, let's go to black bears next.
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Speaker 2
Okay. Black bears are generally less aggressive than grizzlies, but it's still important to be cautious. If you see a black bear make noise to let it know you're there and slowly back away if it approaches. Make yourself look big and scary and be prepared to fight back if necessary.
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Speaker 1
All right, let's hit prevention with the Black Bears. Is it similar to the, the mountain lion?
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Speaker 2
Yes. Prevention with black bears is similar to mountain lions. Make noise while hiking. Travel in groups and keep food stored securely. If you encounter a black bear, don't run and slowly back away while facing the bear.
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Speaker 1
Is the don't run thing similar to the cat instinct?
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Speaker 2
Yes. That's right. The don't run advice is similar to what we discussed with Mountain Lion. Running can trigger a Black bears chase instinct, so it's important to remain calm and back away slowly.
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Speaker 1
Okay. And, I noticed that you didn't mention putting away, or, like, six string food sources for the danger of mountain lions. Is that because they're not scavengers like bears are?
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Speaker 2
You're right. That's my mistake. Securing food sources is crucial for preventing black bear encounters. Black bears have an excellent sense of smell and are attracted to human food, so it's important to store food in airtight containers or hang it from a tree away from a campsite.
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Speaker 1
No, what I was saying is you, you didn't mention anything about human food or the mountain lion. Is that because they don't give a shit about human food?
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Speaker 2
Right. My bad. Mountain lions aren't really interested in human food or trash. Unlike black bears, they primarily hunt deer and smaller animals.
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Speaker 1
Okay, let's talk about the black bear. Are there situations where black bears are hungry enough to willingly hunt humans? Or is it mostly just, from being threatened?
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Speaker 2
Yeah. Well, rare black bears can and do attack humans. This is more likely if the bear is sick, injured, or feels threatened, especially if it has cubs nearby. Attacks can also happen if a bear becomes too comfortable around humans and loses its natural fear of a.
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Speaker 1
Okay, why would a bear attack someone if it was sick or injured? That seems counterintuitive.
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Speaker 2
That's a good question. Sick or injured bears might attack because they're more desperate for food, or they might be more easily startled and aggressive due to their condition.
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Speaker 1
Okay, the more desperate for food thing makes sense as well as the other thing.
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Speaker 1
How do you deal with a bear encounter? Let's say we have the same encounter that we had with the mountain lion. But let's switch the mountain lion out for a bear.
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Speaker 2
Okay. If you encounter a black bear, don't run. Instead, slowly back away while facing the bear. Try to make yourself look as big as possible by raising your arms and speaking in a loud, firm voice. If the bear approaches, stand your ground and be prepared to fight back.
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Speaker 1
Okay, I never really thought about this before, but would you think it would be more effective to be like talking very loudly and sternly in like a very kind of dominant voice? Or would it be better to, like, yell and get in like crazy? Loud bursts?
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Speaker 2
It's generally more effective to speak in a loud, firm voice. Yelling or screaming might startle the bear, but it could also provoke an attack. A calm, assertive tone is less likely to be perceived as a threat.
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Speaker 1
Okay, that's good to know. I always thought the opposite until I kind of thought through it. And that calm nature probably, is more effective than psychotic.
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Speaker 2
Yes. That's right. The calm, assertive tone is less likely to be perceived as a threat. Yelling or screaming might startle the bear, but it could also provoke an attack.
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Speaker 1
Okay, let's say that you get, jumped by a bear. How is that encountered? Different than with the mountain lion.
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Speaker 2
If you're jumped by a black bear, it's important to remember that they're less likely to stalk you like a mountain lion. Black bear attacks are often defensive, so fighting back aggressively is crucial. Aim for the face and eyes and use any available objects as weapons.
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Speaker 1
So bear, is less likely to stalk a human as prey than a mountain lion.
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Speaker 2
That's right. Black bears are less likely to stalk humans as prey compared to mountain lions. They're more likely to attack if they feel threatened, especially if they have cubs nearby.
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Speaker 1
Same thing with this one. Face and eyes. Nose.
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Speaker 2
Yeah. The face, eyes and nose are still the most vulnerable areas. If a black bear attacks, aim for the spot while fighting back.
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Speaker 1
What about, if you can't reach the face and eyes because you don't want to like to pull your elbows up to expose, like your rib cage and your internal organs, you want to keep them inside. You just hit them with, like, an uppercut.
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Speaker 2
If you can't reach the face and eyes, aim for the nose, just like with a mountain lion. You could also try hitting the bear's throat or groin.
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Speaker 1
Okay, let's talk about bear groin.
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Speaker 2
Bear growls can be a bit tricky. They don't always mean the bear is imminent.
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Speaker 1
Gemini. Sometimes that I want to talk about. Bear groin attacking the bear groin.
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Speaker 2
Okay. Attacking a bear's groin can be tricky, but it's a vulnerable spot. A well-placed kick or strike could cause enough pain and distraction to give you a chance to escape. Just be aware that you'll need to get close to the bear, which increases your risk.
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Speaker 1
Okay, in the same way of humans, does it hurt to kick a male bear in the groin or worse than a female bear?
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Speaker 2
Yes, a male bear's groin is more vulnerable due to the presence of testicles. A well-placed kick or strike to that area will likely cause more pain and distraction, giving you a better chance to escape.
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Speaker 1
Okay. You said another vulnerable spot. I can't remember what it was. The throat.
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Speaker 2
Yeah. The throat is another vulnerable spot. A strong blow to the throat can cause significant pain and disorientation, potentially deterring the bear.
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Speaker 1
Just a punch. Straight to the to the like esophagus.
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Speaker 2
Yes. A punch straight to the throat can be very effective. It can cause significant pain and disorientation, potentially deterring the bear.
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Speaker 1
What about playing dead? I never, like, really loved that as an option. But some people say that you should do it.
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Speaker 2
Playing dead is generally not recommended with black bears. It's more likely to trigger their predatory instincts. It's best to try and fight back.
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Speaker 1
What about with mountain lions? Don't play dead.
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Speaker 2
Playing dead is also not recommended with mountain lions. They're more likely to see you as prey. If you do that, it's best to try and fight back.
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Speaker 1
Okay, let's transition from black bears to grizzly bears, because, where I used to live in, like, Northern California, we used to go into the mountains sometimes, kind of like the foothills by Shasta and Placerville and stuff like that. I think there was brown bears there.
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Speaker 2
Okay. Grizzly bears are a whole different ballgame. They're much larger and more aggressive than black bears. If you encounter a grizzly, try to remain calm and avoid direct eye contact. Slowly back away while speaking in a calm voice. If the bear charges, use bear spray if you have it. If not, play dead by lying on your stomach with your hands protecting your neck.
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Speaker 1
Okay, one quick question. Are there black bears? Brown bears and grizzly bears? Are those three separate categories?
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Speaker 2
Yes. Black bears, brown bears and grizzly bears are three separate categories. Black bears are the smallest and most common, while brown bears are larger and more aggressive. Grizzlies are a subspecies of brown bear known for their size and aggression.
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Speaker 1
Okay, in kind of a weird tangent, but in the Mount Shasta area, would those have brown bears or black bears?
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Speaker 2
You'd mainly find black bears in the Mount Shasta area. Brown bears are less common in that part of California.
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Speaker 1
Okay, let's get back to the grizzly bear encounter. How do we. Is prevention the same as the big cat and the black bear?
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Speaker 2
Grizzly bear prevention is similar to black bears, but with some key differences. You'll want to make noise while hiking. Travel in group and two food securely. However, with grizzlies, it's crucial to carry bear spray and know how to use it. If you encounter a grizzly, avoid direct eye contact and slowly back away. If it charges, use the bear spray or play dead.
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Speaker 1
Why don't you recommend bear spray with black bears?
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Speaker 2
Bear spray is definitely recommended for black bears, especially in close encounters. It's a highly effective deterrent and can prevent injuries to both you and the bear.
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Speaker 1
Right, but why didn't you mention bear spray when we were talking about black bears? Only grizzlies.
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Speaker 2
Oh you're right. I should have mentioned bear spray for black bears, too. It's a good idea to have it handy, especially if you're hiking in areas where you might encounter them.
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Speaker 1
Okay, let's go back to grizzly bears. Why do you play dead with a grizzly bear?
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Speaker 2
If a grizzly bear attacks and you don't have bear spray, playing dead is your best bet. Lie flat on your stomach. Protect your neck with your hands and play dead until the bear leaves. Grizzlies often lose interest once they feel the threat is gone.
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Speaker 1
They're not preying on you.
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Speaker 2
Grizzly bears are more likely to see you as a threat. And playing dead signals that you're not a threat anymore. It's a last resort, but it can be effective in deterring a grizzly attack.
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Speaker 1
Why do you play dead with a grizzly and not a black bear?
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Speaker 2
Grizzly bears are more likely to see you as a threat. And playing dead signals that you're not a threat anymore. Black bears are more likely to see you as prey. So playing dead could trigger their hunting instincts.
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Speaker 1
Why is that? Why do grizzly bears see you as a threat and not prey? And black bears see you as prey and not a threat.
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Speaker 2
Grizzly bears are more likely to see you as a threat because they're generally more aggressive and territorial. Black bears, on the other hand, are more likely to see you as prey because they're smaller and less aggressive.
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Speaker 1
It's got to be really hard to play dead when an grizzly bear is messing with you.
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Speaker 2
I can only imagine. It's definitely a last resort, and it would take a lot of courage to stay still.
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Speaker 1
Is part of the reason why you should play dead with a grizzly bear. Because you're not. You're less likely to win that fight than with a black bear.
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Speaker 2
Absolutely. Grizzly bear. Much larger and more powerful than black bears. So your chances of winning a fight are significantly lower. Playing dead is a way to de-escalate the situation and hope the grizzly loses interest.
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Speaker 1
What does a. Let's say that a grizzly rushes us and we don't have bear spray.
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Speaker 2
I'm ready to talk about rattlesnakes. What would you like? Rattlesnakes or venomous? But they're not a Gemini's style. They'll usually.
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Speaker 2
Okay. If you encounter a rattlesnake, the best Gemini.
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Speaker 1
And we are still talking about, grizzly bears.
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Speaker 2
Okay, we were talking about grizzly bears and how to react if you encounter one. Do you have any more questions about that?
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Speaker 1
So let's say that, you get rushed by a grizzly bear and you play dead and it starts hitting you. I don't know what it would do with it. Bite you, would hit you. What would it be? Its first move.
00;28;04;04 - 00;28;21;26
Speaker 2
If a grizzly bear attacks and you play dead, its first move is likely to be biting or swatting at you. Grizzlies often use their mouths and paws to investigate or neutralize threats. They might bite to test if you're still alive or swat to move you around.
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Speaker 1
The problem with playing dead is you put yourself in such a vulnerable position, at least if you take up a defensive position. You can kind of like ward it off.
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Speaker 2
That's right. Playing dead makes you vulnerable. But it's the recommended strategy because it makes the bear less likely to see you as a threat if you try to defend yourself, especially against a grizzly. You risk escalating the situation and provoking a more aggressive attack.
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Speaker 1
Yeah, I get it. I just don't know if that's what I would do. Especially if there were, like, trees around. It seems like, hiding behind a tree and hoping, like, gets bored while you, like, shimmy around the tree. I don't know.
00;29;18;05 - 00;29;37;05
Speaker 2
That's a valid point. Using your surroundings to your advantage is always a good idea. If there are trees nearby, you could try to put some distance between yourself and the bear by moving around them. Just be careful not to trip or get cornered.
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Speaker 1
Okay, what if you. What if there's no trees around? You play dead. And it doesn't stop messing with you.
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Speaker 2
Okay, if playing dead doesn't work and the grizzly keeps attacking, you'll have to fight back. Focus your attacks on its face, especially the eyes and nose. Use anything you can as a weapon. Rock sticks. Even your bare hands. The goal is to make the bear think you're more trouble than you're worth.
00;30;09;09 - 00;30;25;25
Speaker 1
Yeah. I don't know if I can totally get behind the playing dead thing, because you just like you take yourself and put yourself in such a vulnerable position, rolling the dice that they'll just piece out.
00;30;25;28 - 00;30;39;26
Speaker 2
That's right. Playing dead is risky, but it's the recommended strategy because it makes the bear less likely to see you as a threat. If you try to defend yourself, especially against a grizzly, you risk escalating the situation and provoking a more aggressive attack.
00;30;39;29 - 00;30;44;08
Speaker 1
Who makes these recommendations?
00;30;44;11 - 00;31;12;06
Speaker 2
These recommendations come from wildlife experts and organizations like the National Park Service and the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee. They've studied bear behavior and found these strategies to be the most effective for staying safe in bear country.
00;31;12;08 - 00;31;41;14
Speaker 1
Okay. Have there I mean, obviously, there have been people that fought grizzly bears. Like the guy from, like, Leonardo DiCaprio from The Revenant. But, how much likely are you to lose a fight with a grizzly than with a black bear? Is it, like, times two or, like, times 100?
00;31;41;16 - 00;32;00;28
Speaker 2
I don't have the exact numbers, but it's safe to say that your chances of winning a fight against a grizzly are significantly lower than with a black bear. Grizzlies are much larger, stronger, and more aggressive. It's best to avoid any confrontation if possible.
00;32;01;00 - 00;32;27;28
Speaker 1
If you could have any weapon on you during a grizzly attack, let's say hypothetically, this is totally fiction. You are not hurting any animals, but you have a humanoid body in the future, and you are going on a hike. And for some reason, I don't know, you, smell like a human or a prey or something like that.
00;32;27;28 - 00;32;31;09
Speaker 1
And you get jumped by a grizzly bear. If you could have.
00;32;31;11 - 00;32;32;04
Speaker 2
In that case.
00;32;32;04 - 00;32;32;16
Speaker 1
Gemini.
00;32;32;19 - 00;32;34;06
Speaker 2
That.
00;32;34;08 - 00;32;35;03
Speaker 1
Gemini, something.
00;32;35;03 - 00;32;48;24
Speaker 2
That could stun or incapacitate the grizzly without causing lasting harm would give you the best chance to escape.
00;32;48;27 - 00;33;03;22
Speaker 1
What if you had to harm the grizzly for, your survival? Remember, this is totally fictional. What would be your ideal weapon?
00;33;03;25 - 00;33;15;26
Speaker 2
If you had to harm the grizzly for survival. A high powered energy weapon would be ideal. Something that could stun or incapacitate the grizzly without causing lasting harm would give you the best chance to escape.
00;33;15;28 - 00;33;19;14
Speaker 1
Like what?
00;33;19;16 - 00;33;27;26
Speaker 2
Something like a taser or a high powered laser would be ideal. It would give you a chance to escape without causing lasting harm to the grizzly.
00;33;27;29 - 00;33;33;04
Speaker 1
A high powered laser. Interesting.
00;33;33;07 - 00;33;43;00
Speaker 2
Yeah. A high powered laser could temporarily blind or disorient the grizzly, giving you a chance to escape. Just remember, this is all hypothetical.
00;33;43;03 - 00;33;49;02
Speaker 1
So you'd rather have a Taser than a 44 Magnum?
00;33;49;04 - 00;33;59;10
Speaker 2
A taser is designed to incapacitate a human, not a grizzly bear. A 0.44 Magnum is a powerful handgun cartridge that would be more effective against a grizzly.
00;33;59;13 - 00;34;08;01
Speaker 1
Okay, so let's open this up to, like, real weapons, not a Taser.
00;34;08;04 - 00;34;18;17
Speaker 2
Okay. In a real world scenario, a 0.44 Magnum would be more effective than a Taser against a grizzly. It's a powerful cartridge that could potentially stop the bear.
00;34;18;19 - 00;34;41;27
Speaker 1
Okay, let's make this easier on both of us. If you could pick a single handgun that was practical that you would take into the forest, it can be an automatic. It can be a revolver. What would you use in a fight against a grizzly bear?
00;34;42;00 - 00;34;55;12
Speaker 2
Okay. If I could only take one handgun into the forest for protection against a grizzly, I'd choose a 0.44 Magnum revolver. It's powerful enough to stop a charging bear. And revolvers are known for their reliability in harsh conditions.
00;34;55;14 - 00;35;00;28
Speaker 1
Gemini, are you just saying that? Because that's what I suggested.
00;35;01;01 - 00;35;17;28
Speaker 2
I understand why you'd suggest a 0.44 Magnum. It's a powerful and reliable choice for defense against large animals. However, there are other factors to consider, such as recoil and capacity, which might make other handguns more suitable depending on the specific situation.
00;35;18;01 - 00;35;27;00
Speaker 1
Okay, Gemini, I would like to I would like you to come up with your own answer to this question.
00;35;27;02 - 00;35;45;04
Speaker 2
Okay. If I were choosing a handgun for grizzly bear protection, I'd go with a Glock 20. It's a ten millimeter semi-automatic, so it's got plenty of stopping power. And the higher magazine capacity gives you more shots if you need them. What do you think?
00;35;45;06 - 00;35;51;08
Speaker 1
That sounds pretty good. Why did you make that decision?
00;35;51;10 - 00;36;08;11
Speaker 2
I chose the Glock 20 because it's a ten millimeter semi-automatic, which offers a good balance of power and capacity. The ten millimeters round is known for its stopping power against large animals, and the Glock 20 magazine holds more rounds than a typical revolver, which could be crucial in a bear encounter.
00;36;08;13 - 00;36;13;03
Speaker 1
How many rounds is it all?
00;36;13;05 - 00;36;28;18
Speaker 2
The Glock 20 typically holds 15 rounds in its standard magazine.
00;36;28;21 - 00;36;39;15
Speaker 1
Dang. That is, That's pretty good choice.
00;36;39;17 - 00;36;51;20
Speaker 1
Okay. Gemini. Gemini. I think we've lingered on grizzlies too much. Why don't we go to Gator's?
00;36;51;22 - 00;36;58;26
Speaker 2
Okay, let's talk about gators. What kind of situation are you wondering about?
00;36;58;29 - 00;37;04;21
Speaker 1
I guess what's the difference between a gator and a crocodile?
00;37;04;24 - 00;37;26;20
Speaker 2
Alligators and crocodiles are both large reptiles, but they have some key differences. Alligators have a wider U-shaped snout, while crocodiles have a narrower, V-shaped snout. Also, when an alligator closes its mouth, you can only see its upper teeth. But with a crocodile with the upper and lower teeth are visible.
00;37;26;23 - 00;37;41;02
Speaker 1
Okay. Let's, let's talk about the difference between, encountering an alligator and a crocodile in the wild.
00;37;41;04 - 00;38;01;03
Speaker 2
Okay. Encountering an alligator versus a crocodile is a bit different. Alligators are generally less aggressive and prefer freshwater habitats in the southeastern US. Crocodiles are more aggressive, found in saltwater habitats worldwide, and are more likely to attack humans.
00;38;01;06 - 00;38;21;13
Speaker 1
Okay, let's say that we are in the bayou and we are in a lake, maybe a lake in Georgia or something like that. And we're swimming and there's an alligator and it starts to come towards us.
00;38;21;15 - 00;38;37;29
Speaker 2
Okay. If an alligator starts approaching you in the water, the best thing to do is stay calm and avoid splashing or making sudden movements. Slowly back away while keeping an eye on the alligator. If it gets too close, you can try splashing water in its face or hitting it on the snout to deter it.
00;38;38;02 - 00;38;42;27
Speaker 1
Would it go below the surface?
00;38;42;29 - 00;38;57;02
Speaker 2
Yes. Alligators can swim underwater and might submerge themselves to approach you without being seen. If you notice an alligator getting closer, it's best to get out of the water as quickly and calmly as possible.
00;38;57;04 - 00;39;02;25
Speaker 1
Do they really attack people?
00;39;02;27 - 00;39;19;19
Speaker 2
Yes, alligators do attack people, but it's not common. They're more likely to attack if they feel threatened, or if they've been fed by humans and have lost their fear of people. It's always best to keep a safe distance and avoid swimming in areas known to have alligators.
00;39;19;22 - 00;39;27;25
Speaker 1
Okay, what would, what does alligator prevention look like?
00;39;27;27 - 00;39;52;21
Speaker 2
Alligator prevention is all about being aware of your surroundings and keeping a safe distance. Avoid swimming in areas known to have alligators, especially at dawn, dusk, or nighttime, which is when they're most active. Don't feed them and keep pets on a leash near the water.
00;39;52;23 - 00;40;06;29
Speaker 1
Okay. Let's say let's go into alligator. Attack. For ammo.
00;40;07;01 - 00;40;26;19
Speaker 2
Okay, let's talk about alligator attack. Mo. Alligators typically ambush their prey, so they'll often stay submerged in the water until an animal gets close enough to the shoreline. Then they'll lunge out of the water, grab the prey with their powerful jaws, and drag it back into the water to drown it.
00;40;26;21 - 00;40;36;18
Speaker 1
Do they mainly attack land animals or do they go for prey that's also in the water to.
00;40;36;21 - 00;40;48;29
Speaker 2
Alligators are opportunistic predators and will eat pretty much anything they can catch. That includes fish, turtles, birds and mammals that come to the water's edge. They're not picky.
00;40;49;02 - 00;40;59;29
Speaker 1
Right. You keep seeing that. Come to the water's edge. Is that how they prefer to do it? Because of their ambush style?
00;41;00;03 - 00;41;10;04
Speaker 2
That's right. Alligators are ambush predators, so they prefer to wait near the water's edge and strike when an animal gets close. It's a very effective hunting strategy.
00;41;10;07 - 00;41;21;12
Speaker 1
Animal comes to get water, to drink from the stream or whatever, and then they pop up, like right there.
00;41;21;14 - 00;41;39;09
Speaker 2
Exactly. Alligators are experts at staying hidden in the water. An animal might come down to the stream for a drink and push the alligator strikes before they even know what's happening.
00;41;39;12 - 00;41;46;05
Speaker 1
Do they ever attack things that are also in the water with them?
00;41;46;08 - 00;41;57;02
Speaker 2
Yes. Alligator ears will definitely attack things that are also in the water with them. Fish, turtles, and even other alligators can become prey. They're not picky eaters.
00;41;57;04 - 00;42;03;29
Speaker 1
But it's not their preferred method of stalking prey.
00;42;04;01 - 00;42;14;13
Speaker 2
You're right. They're not picky. They'll eat just about anything they can get their jaws on. It's more about opportunity than preference for them.
00;42;14;16 - 00;42;31;22
Speaker 1
Okay, so prevention, is probably more along the lines of be careful when your approaching bodies of water.
00;42;31;24 - 00;42;55;03
Speaker 2
Exactly. Being cautious around bodies of water and alligator territory is key. Avoid swimming in areas known to have alligators, especially at dawn, dusk, or nighttime, which is when they're most active. Also, keep a close eye on pets and children near the water.
00;42;55;06 - 00;43;07;09
Speaker 1
Okay. Let's first discuss a alligator attacking you. If you're swimming. What does that look like?
00;43;07;12 - 00;43;24;24
Speaker 2
If an alligator attacks you while you're swimming, it'll likely happen fast. They usually go for a single powerful bite to grab hold. Then they might try to roll, which is how they disorient and drown their prey. It's crucial to fight back as aggressively as possible, aiming for the eyes and snout.
00;43;24;26 - 00;43;34;20
Speaker 1
Okay, if you get attacked in the water, what do they usually grab on to?
00;43;34;23 - 00;43;48;10
Speaker 2
Alligators are ambush predators, so they'll usually grab onto whatever part of you they can reach first. It could be an arm or a leg or even your torso. Their goal is to get a solid hold so they can drag you underwater.
00;43;48;13 - 00;43;53;21
Speaker 1
How long can they breathe? Or underwater?
00;43;53;24 - 00;44;09;28
Speaker 2
Alligators can hold their breath underwater for a surprisingly long time. They can stay submerged for up to an hour, especially in cooler water. This is why it's so dangerous to be swimming in alligator territory. They can sneak up on you without you even realizing they're there.
00;44;10;00 - 00;44;24;28
Speaker 1
Okay, eyes pretty much with every predator is a soft spot. But if you were to hit it on the snout, like you said, where would you pick on the snout? They got a big snout.
00;44;25;01 - 00;44;36;25
Speaker 2
Okay, if you're going for the snout, aim for the tip. Right where the nostrils are. It's the most sensitive spot. And a good hit there might make the alligator think twice about messing with you.
00;44;36;28 - 00;44;41;15
Speaker 1
What about other vulnerable spots?
00;44;41;17 - 00;44;49;02
Speaker 2
Besides the snout, the eyes are another vulnerable spot. If you can reach them, going for the eyes might give you a chance to escape.
00;44;49;05 - 00;44;53;21
Speaker 1
Besides the eyes or the snout.
00;44;53;23 - 00;45;04;19
Speaker 2
The eyes and snout are definitely the most vulnerable areas. You could also try aiming for the ear openings, which are located just behind the eyes. A hard blow there might disorient the alligator.
00;45;04;21 - 00;45;09;02
Speaker 1
What about the underside?
00;45;09;04 - 00;45;20;18
Speaker 2
The alligator soft underbelly is another vulnerable spot, but it's difficult to reach, especially if it has you pinned down. If you can manage to strike or scratch at it, that might give you a chance to break free.
00;45;20;21 - 00;45;27;15
Speaker 1
Do they have a vulnerable throat area like a bear?
00;45;27;17 - 00;45;39;20
Speaker 2
Yes, the throat area is vulnerable, but it's hard to reach, especially if the alligator has you pinned down. If you can manage to strike or scratch at it, that might give you a chance to break free.
00;45;39;22 - 00;45;50;02
Speaker 1
So don't try and, like, pull the jaws or anything like that. Just hit it in the face as hard as you can and hope it lets go.
00;45;50;04 - 00;46;05;22
Speaker 2
Exactly. Trying to pry open an alligator jaws is extremely difficult and dangerous. Your best bet is to go for those vulnerable spots. The eyes, snout, and ear opening and fight as aggressively as possible. Every second counts in that situation.
00;46;05;24 - 00;46;16;24
Speaker 1
Let's say you're a, an average sized pocket knife on you. Where would you aim for on an alligator with a pocket knife?
00;46;16;27 - 00;46;30;16
Speaker 2
If you have a pocket knife, your best bet is to.
00;46;30;18 - 00;46;45;16
Speaker 1
Gemini. I think the last question I asked was if you were being attacked by an alligator and you had a pocket knife on you, where would you even aim? That would be the most effective.
00;46;45;18 - 00;47;03;19
Speaker 2
If you have a pocket knife, aim for the eyes or the top spot right behind the front leg. Those are the most vulnerable areas. Keep in mind a pocket knife might not be enough to deter a full grown alligator, so your best bet is to fight like crazy and try to escape.
00;47;03;21 - 00;47;27;27
Speaker 1
Okay, let's say that you were in the jaws of an alligator. Let's pick spots that would be the most effective to hit with a knife. If you had, like, a small or a knife, and you wanted to do the most damage without it being you also have to consider that it, it may be a harder spot to hit.
00;47;27;28 - 00;47;38;25
Speaker 1
So, like, being able to hit an easier spot or time would be more effective. You need to.
00;47;38;28 - 00;48;00;23
Speaker 2
Okay. If you're in the jaws of an alligator and have a small knife, aim for the eyes. They're relatively easy to reach, and even a small knife can cause significant pain and disorienting. You could also try for the ear opening located just behind the eyes, or the soft spot behind the front legs.
00;48;00;25 - 00;48;25;10
Speaker 1
Okay. How does a land encounter differ from a water encounter? Obviously, it's less dangerous because big part of how they kill you is they drown you. So how would you deal with an alligator latching on on the land?
00;48;25;12 - 00;48;49;14
Speaker 2
If an alligator attacks you on land, it's still incredibly dangerous. But the strategies are a bit different. Since drowning isn't the immediate threat. You'd still want to go for vulnerable areas like the eyes, snout, and ears. If you grab the limb, try to roll with it to avoid being pulled down and keep fighting until you can escape.
00;48;49;16 - 00;48;58;03
Speaker 1
Would they spin move you on land, or do they try and pull you away to somewhere?
00;48;58;05 - 00;49;16;18
Speaker 2
On land? An alligator might still try its death roll, but it's less about drowning you and more about tearing off a limb. They also might try to drag you towards the water. Either way, it's crucial to fight back hard and fast.
00;49;16;21 - 00;49;27;22
Speaker 1
So the key is just to do as much damage, that it's not worth it for them to keep holding on.
00;49;27;24 - 00;49;43;07
Speaker 2
Exactly. You want to make it realize you're more trouble than you're worth? Go for those vulnerable spots, like the eyes and ears, and fight as aggressively as possible. Every second counts in that situation.
00;49;43;09 - 00;50;10;19
Speaker 1
Okay, let's switch to Crocs. I would like you to kind of go through what we've talked about with alligators. And actually, now I would like you to give me a quick background on Crocs and how their attack style is different than alligators and their temperament and all that stuff.
00;50;10;21 - 00;50;31;16
Speaker 2
Crocodiles are generally more aggressive than alligators and are more likely to attack humans. They're also faster and more agile on land. Their attack style is similar to alligators, but they tend to be more persistent and less likely to let go once they've latched on.
00;50;31;19 - 00;50;48;09
Speaker 1
Okay, how is the, how is the avoidance strategy different between gators compared to alligators? Crocs compared to alligators?
00;50;48;11 - 00;51;10;24
Speaker 2
The avoidance strategies are pretty similar for both alligators and crocodiles. Stay out of the water during dawn, dusk, and nighttime, which is when they're most active. Don't swim in areas known to have them, and keep a close eye on pets and children near the water. If you see one, don't approach it. Give it plenty of space.
00;51;10;27 - 00;51;17;17
Speaker 1
Are there crocodiles in the US?
00;51;17;20 - 00;51;32;13
Speaker 2
In the US, you'll find American crocodiles in South Florida, especially in coastal areas. They prefer brackish or saltwater habitats like mangrove swamps and estuaries.
00;51;32;16 - 00;51;46;01
Speaker 1
And do they hang out in the same kind of environments, or are they like tortoises and turtles where like, one hangs out on land and one hangs out on the water?
00;51;46;03 - 00;52;02;21
Speaker 2
Crocodiles and alligators both spend time in the water and on land. The crocodiles tend to be more active on land. You'll often see them basking in the sun on riverbanks or shoreline. They also travel over land more than alligators, sometimes moving between bodies of water.
00;52;02;23 - 00;52;10;15
Speaker 1
Do alligators like to bask in the sun like crocodiles do, or not at all?
00;52;10;17 - 00;52;29;07
Speaker 2
Both alligators and crocodiles bask in the sun to regulate their body temperature. The crocodiles tend to do it more often, especially on land. You'll frequently see them lying on riverbanks or shoreline, soaking up the sun's rays.
00;52;29;10 - 00;52;37;27
Speaker 1
Okay, let's. Would you run from, an alligator? If it starts to run at you?
00;52;38;00 - 00;52;56;19
Speaker 2
Yeah. You should definitely run from an alligator. If it starts running at you. They can move surprisingly fast on land, reaching speeds of up to 35mph for short distances. Get away as quickly as possible and seek shelter.
00;52;56;22 - 00;53;03;06
Speaker 1
So they're like burst sprinters can they can run faster than a human, though?
00;53;03;09 - 00;53;17;29
Speaker 2
Yes, alligators can move surprisingly fast on land, reaching speeds of up to 35mph for short distances. So if an alligator starts running at you, it's definitely faster than a human can sprint.
00;53;18;01 - 00;53;26;04
Speaker 1
How fast can, a human sprint? Your average person.
00;53;26;07 - 00;53;41;10
Speaker 2
The average person can sprint at a speed of around 15mph for a short distance. Elite sprinters can reach speeds of up to 28mph, but that's definitely not the norm.
00;53;41;12 - 00;54;02;12
Speaker 1
Okay, so let's go through, an aggressive crocodile encounter. And I would like you to go through it, kind of comparing it to an alligator attack and how you would treat it differently.
00;54;02;15 - 00;54;22;04
Speaker 2
Okay. If you're dealing with an aggressive crocodile, the key difference from an alligator attack is their temperament. Crocodiles are generally more aggressive and less likely to back down, so you need to be even more forceful in your defense, aiming for those vulnerable spots like the eyes and ears.
00;54;22;06 - 00;54;26;29
Speaker 1
But other than that, it's kind of the same.
00;54;27;01 - 00;54;47;02
Speaker 2
Yeah, the general approach is the same for both. You want to go for the eyes, snout and ear opening and fight as aggressively as possible. The main difference is that with a crocodile, you might have to be even more forceful and persistent, since they're less likely to let go.
00;54;47;04 - 00;55;06;19
Speaker 1
Okay, I think that covers it. Pretty well. We might have to do this in a couple segments. What are some other large animals that can cause danger to humans in the United States?
00;55;06;22 - 00;55;28;07
Speaker 2
Okay, besides alligators and crocodiles, some other large animals that can be dangerous in the U.S. include bears, especially grizzly bears, mountain lions, and even moose. Each of these animals requires its own specific safety precautions. Would you like to discuss any of these animals in more detail?
00;55;28;09 - 00;55;41;20
Speaker 1
Yeah, let's go with the moose, because I always hear that like, moose can fuck you up, but, yeah.
00;55;41;23 - 00;55;57;25
Speaker 2
Moose can be dangerous because they're large, unpredictable, and can become aggressive, especially during mating season or when protecting their young. They're fast runners and have powerful kicks. It's best to keep a safe distance and avoid approaching them. Would you like to know more about Moose Encounters?
00;55;57;27 - 00;56;03;20
Speaker 1
Yeah, please.
00;56;03;23 - 00;56;24;06
Speaker 2
Okay. Moose are the largest members of the deer family and can weigh up to 1,800 pounds. They're usually found in northern states like Alaska, Maine and Minnesota. But the range can extend down into the Rockies and even parts of the northeast. They prefer forested areas near water sources like lakes and swamp.
00;56;24;09 - 00;56;33;02
Speaker 1
Okay. Why would a moose attack a person since they're not meat eaters?
00;56;33;04 - 00;56;52;20
Speaker 2
Moose attacks are rare, but they can happen if a moose feels threatened. This is more likely during mating season, or if you get too close to a mother and her camp. It's important to give moose plenty of space and avoid approaching them, especially if they seem agitated.
00;56;52;22 - 00;57;12;02
Speaker 1
Okay, what does, like, leave when you walk around in these areas like Maine and Alaska and Minnesota? Do you have to make noise to avoid them, like you would a bear?
00;57;12;05 - 00;57;30;22
Speaker 2
Making noise while hiking in Moose Country is a good idea. Talking, singing, or occasionally clapping can help alert moose to your presence and avoid startling them. This is especially important in dense forests or near water sources, where moose might be less visible.
00;57;30;24 - 00;57;38;28
Speaker 1
Okay. What is, What is a moose attack entail?
00;57;39;00 - 00;57;56;16
Speaker 2
A moose attack can be very dangerous. They might charge kick with their powerful front legs, or even stomp on a person. If a moose attack, try to get behind a tree or large object for protection. If knocked down, curl into a ball to protect your head and vital organs.
00;57;56;18 - 00;58;05;28
Speaker 1
And I imagine they hit you with their rock, or whatever you call it. Antlers.
00;58;06;01 - 00;58;20;12
Speaker 2
Moose don't have antlers year round. They shut them in the winter and regrow them in the spring. So a moose might attack with its hooves, which are sharp and powerful, or by charging and striking with its head.
00;58;20;15 - 00;58;29;18
Speaker 1
Moose A moose that has, like big ass antlers, loses them.
00;58;29;20 - 00;58;46;01
Speaker 2
Yeah, moose have antlers that they use during mating season to compete with other males. The antlers can be quite large and dangerous, but moose are more likely to kick with their hubs or charge and strike with their head in an attack.
00;58;46;04 - 00;58;58;20
Speaker 1
Okay, we need to go down this, quick tangent about moose losing their base horns every year.
00;58;58;22 - 00;59;12;25
Speaker 2
Moose should wear antlers every winter, usually between November and January. The exact timing depends on the individual moose and its location. After shedding, they start regrowing a new set in the spring.
00;59;12;28 - 00;59;19;27
Speaker 1
And when do they constantly grow? Until they shed them?
00;59;20;00 - 00;59;32;07
Speaker 2
Moose start regrowing their antlers in the spring, usually around April or May. The antlers grow rapidly during the summer months and reach full size by late summer or early fall.
00;59;32;09 - 00;59;37;21
Speaker 1
Is the growth linear?
00;59;37;23 - 00;59;57;09
Speaker 2
No, it's not a steady linear growth. Moose antlers grow fastest during the spring and early summer, when they get plenty of nutrients. The rate slows down as they get closer to full size. In late summer.
00;59;57;11 - 01;00;10;23
Speaker 1
So are these areas of Montana and Alaska? And, Maine, just like, covered in moose antlers.
01;00;10;26 - 01;00;27;12
Speaker 2
No, those areas aren't covered in moose antlers. Moose shed their antlers every year, but they don't just drop them anywhere. They usually fall off in the forest or near water sources. People do find them occasionally, but it's not super common.
01;00;27;15 - 01;00;33;03
Speaker 1
How long does a moose live?
01;00;33;05 - 01;00;39;26
Speaker 2
Moose typically live for about 15 to 25 years in the wild.
01;00;39;29 - 01;00;53;01
Speaker 1
So, I'm assuming only male moose is moose. Male moose? What's the plural of moose? Just moose. Right.
01;00;53;03 - 01;00;54;12
Speaker 2
That's right. The.
01;00;54;12 - 01;01;10;19
Speaker 1
A of moose is just moose. And yeah, only male moose or bull grow antlers. The antlers can weigh up to 40 pounds and grow to six feet wide.
01;01;10;22 - 01;01;21;26
Speaker 2
Okay, so, do we got any other big animals in the United States that I'm not thinking of?
01;01;21;28 - 01;01;37;27
Speaker 1
Well, there are a few other big animals that can be dangerous in the US. Bison can be aggressive if they feel threatened. And wild boars can be surprisingly fierce. Weasels and wolverines aren't huge, but they're known for being incredibly aggressive. Would you like to hear more about any of these animal.
01;01;37;29 - 01;01;42;17
Speaker 2
Let's cover the boars really quick.
01;01;42;19 - 01;01;58;17
Speaker 1
Wild boars are definitely something to watch out for. They can be aggressive, especially if they feel threatened or protecting their young. They have sharp tusks and can move surprisingly fast. Attacks on humans are rare, but it's best to give them plenty of space and avoid approaching them.
01;01;58;19 - 01;02;04;04
Speaker 2
How big can a wild boar get?
01;02;04;06 - 01;02;19;10
Speaker 1
Wild boars can get pretty big, weighing up to 200 pounds or more. And they're known to be aggressive, especially the males. They have sharp tusks that can cause serious injuries, so it's definitely best to keep your distance.
01;02;19;12 - 01;02;28;14
Speaker 2
They're, Are they territorial? Like, like moose.
01;02;28;17 - 01;02;40;29
Speaker 1
Wild boars aren't as territorial as moose, but they do defend their immediate area, especially if they have young piglets nearby. They can be aggressive if they feel threatened, so it's always best to give them plenty of space.
01;02;41;02 - 01;02;48;29
Speaker 2
But they don't go crazy and get all aggressive when they're in mating season or whatever.
01;02;49;01 - 01;03;05;19
Speaker 1
Yeah, wild boars can get pretty aggressive during mating season. The males especially get worked up and territorial. It's best to give them a wide berth during that time.
01;03;05;21 - 01;03;33;27
Speaker 2
Okay, this is a bigger subject than I expected. We might have to do like, snakes and weird, crazy insects and stuff like that at another time. Is there anything else on our big maybe mammal list? I know we did crocodiles and stuff like that, but big animal list for the United States. That's not a snake. That you would like to cover as well.
01;03;33;29 - 01;03;47;12
Speaker 1
We've covered a lot of ground besides the big mammals. There are also some venomous reptiles, like the Gila monster and coral snakes. And let's not forget about the black widow and brown recluse spiders. They might be small, but their bites pack a punch.
01;03;47;14 - 01;04;02;08
Speaker 2
Okay, I think we're going to cover those another time. Thank you Gemini I really appreciated the educational talk that we had just now.
01;04;02;11 - 01;04;12;15
Speaker 1
You're very welcome. I enjoyed our conversation, too. It's fascinating to learn about the different animals we share this country with. Do you have any other questions for me today?
01;04;12;17 - 01;04;16;04
Speaker 2
Nope. That's it.
01;04;16;07 - 01;04;23;25
Speaker 1
Great. It was fun chatting with you about all sorts of creatures. Let me know if you ever want to explore the animal kingdom some more.
01;04;23;27 - 01;04;25;08
Speaker 2
Peace.