Hi All,
I found that a loud shout with arms stretched wide, facing the animal, stopped a single charging dog in it’s tracks, but it still got to within 2 metres of me. This was at home whilst checking an unsurveyed patch of rainforest regrowth.
Overiding my instinct to leg it after seeing it run at me was the hardest part, but as soon as I turned my back to it, the back of my neck suddenly felt very vulnerable.
I was without rocks (or chain, good idea Denise), and had to act quickly. I managed to see that it looked mangy, and probably couldn’t see very well through its bunged-up eyes.
Once safe, I also found leeches on both of my ankles and plenty of fresh blood in my boots, perhaps tempting a mangy mutt.
It wasn’t just my socks I had to change, before I informed the local Nat Parks officers of the dog.
There is surely some danger with regards to dogs, in various places, I can’t offer much more than my experiences, and to use whatever bush skills you have, and stay safe. If it means avoiding them completely, then so be it.
It’s not ideal knowing that you may have to fight a dog to study birds, but if you’re into extreme birding, take care.
Regards,
Simon Clayton
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