Trail Running Tips    

"If you come across an animal while trail running, give it the right of way," says Douglas Inkley, senior science advisor at the National Wildlife Federation. Here's how to survive the most common close encounters of the toothy kind.
Skunk (Mephitis mephitis)

Where to watch out: Nationwide

What to do: Forget the stench -- it's the rabies you should be worried about (although even that is quite rare). Melt into the background and disappear, particularly if the skunk seems agitated or is making strange noises. We're not sure what normal skunk noises are, but use your intuition.

Wild Boar (Sus scrofa)

Where to watch out: California, North Carolina, Tennessee, West Virginia

What to do: They're short, stout, fast, and equipped with nasty tusks and nastier parasites. Climb a tree, hop on a rock or just stand very still and quietly slip away when you can, says Inkley. Boars have poor eyesight, so freezing in place might suffice.

Mountain Lion (Felis concolor)

Where to watch out: Florida Everglades, Texas, western United States

What to do: Run away and you'll just attract attention, says Inkley. To avoid becoming kitty chow, yell, scream, make a commotion and use threatening objects (sticks, stones, glossy photos of Clay Aiken) to get the lion to back off.

Grizzly Bear (Ursus arctos)

Where to watch out: Alaska, northwestern United States

What to do: If you see a bear off in the distance, make sure it stays there. If you're face-to-face with a growling grizzly (particularly one with cubs), just fall down and play dead. At medium distances, walk away calmly and deliberately, trying not to tremble in fear.

Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix)

Where to watch out: From southwestern Massachusetts west to Nebraska and south to the Florida panhandle; Texas

What to do: Back off immediately -- freezing in place will only threaten the snake, says Inkley. If it strikes, immobilize the limb (don't try to suck out the poison, Rambo-style) and seek immediate help.

Rabbit (Sylvilagus floridanus)

Where to watch out: Everywhere

What to do: Be vewwy, vewwy careful. The furball isn't likely to fly at your jugular, but don't get too close. Even the kinder, gentler denizens of the forest can carry rabies. Your best bet is to toss it a carrot and keep on trucking.

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