What to do if…
an aggressive dog or other animal attacks or corners you

What to do now

1. Create distance and a barrier. Put a door, fence, vehicle, bicycle, backpack, trash can, jacket, or other available object between you and the animal. Move toward enclosed shelter only when you can do so without passing close to it.
2. If an unfamiliar dog approaches, become still and calm. Turn the side of your body toward it, avoid direct eye contact, bring your hands slowly toward your neck, and say “no” or “go home” in a firm, deep voice. Wait for it to move away or back away slowly without turning your back.
3. Protect your head and neck if a dog knocks you down. Curl into a ball, tuck your head, and cover your ears and neck with your hands. Keep a bag, jacket, or other object between your body and the dog when possible.
4. Treat wild animals differently. Do not rely on dog instructions for a bear, mountain lion, or another wild species. Avoid running unless you are entering immediately reachable shelter, give the animal an escape route, and follow instructions from a 911 dispatcher, park ranger, or local wildlife authority. Species-specific guidance is linked below.
5. Call 911 for immediate danger or serious injury. Give your exact location, describe the animal, explain whether it is still present, and describe any injuries. Follow the call-taker’s instructions and do not hang up until told to do so.
6. Control serious bleeding once you are safe. Place a clean dressing or cloth over the wound and apply steady, firm pressure. Keep pressing until the bleeding stops, emergency responders take over, or the situation becomes unsafe.
7. Wash broken skin promptly. Clean bites and scratches thoroughly with soap and running water. After contact with wildlife or an unfamiliar animal that could pose a rabies risk, wash the wound for 15 minutes and contact a healthcare or public-health professional promptly.
8. Get medical advice. Call a healthcare provider or go to urgent care after a dog or cat bite, even if you feel well. Seek immediate medical care for deep or serious wounds, uncontrolled bleeding, loss of function, severe pain, faintness, weakness, breathing difficulty, or reduced responsiveness. Ask whether infection treatment, tetanus vaccination, or a rabies assessment is needed.
9. Report and record only what is safe. Note the animal’s appearance, location, direction of travel, and any owner or vaccination information freely available. Report a dog bite to local animal control or the police, and report wildlife incidents to park staff or the appropriate local wildlife authority.