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Reading 2 min.
in collaboration with
Dr Gérald Kierzek (Medical Director of Doctissimo)
This Sunday, June 23, a customer at the Thoiry zoological park, in Yvelines, was bitten by wolves. She allegedly ventured into an area reserved for visitors by car. How to react in the event of a wolf attack? Dr. Gérald Kierzek, emergency physician and medical director of Doctissimo, gives his advice.
A 36-year-old young woman was bitten by wolves in the American reserve of the Thoiry zoological park, in Yvelines, when she allegedly went to an area prohibited to pedestrians.
Bitten after spending a night at the park
The client in question was bitten on Sunday morning after spending a night in the park’s lodges. She apparently ventured into an area reserved only for visitors by car, apparently for a jog.
It was there that she was allegedly attacked by wolves and bitten on the neck, calf and back. Alerted by the young woman’s cries, the caregivers intervened to free her. She was then transported to hospital in an absolute emergency and late yesterday afternoon, she was declared out of danger.
What to do in case of a wolf attack?
Visitors to the park remain incomprehensible after this tragedy, which did not lead to the closure of the establishment. An investigation is underway and will certainly determine the circumstances of the accident. In the meantime, we can wonder how to react to a wolf or a pack. This can happen during a hike in nature for example. To answer this question, we interviewed Dr. Gérald Kierzek, emergency physician and medical director of Doctissimo.
The doctor recommends, when faced with one or more wolves, to:
- 1. Stay calm, keep your cool, and above all not panic (easier said than done!);
- 2. Make yourself appear taller by raising your arms above your head and spreading your jacket if possible;
- 3. Make noise and big movements to scare the animal;
- 4. Back away slowly without turning your back on the animal;
- 5. Seek safe shelter such as a car or building if possible.
In addition, there are certain attitudes to absolutely avoid such as:
- Flee suddenly and turn your back on the animal, (a reflex that you could have naturally!) which could trigger your predatory instinct;
- Shout if the animal has not yet spotted you, this could attract its attention;
- Approach the animal and try to feed it or photograph it;
- Squat or lie down (on the contrary, you must remain standing).
To prevent attacks, finally, Dr. Kierzek sets out five tips:
- Learn about local wildlife before you go hiking;
- Make noise while you walk to signal your presence to animals;
- Keep your food well wrapped and out of reach of animals;
- Stay alert and observe your surroundings;
- Avoid walking alone and stay on marked trails.