Overview:
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Also known as wild or free-ranging dogs.
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Differ markedly from domestic dogs in their behavior toward people and
may actually attack without provocation. Further, these dogs have
been known to eat
their victims unlike domestic dogs.
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Feral dogs usually do not have a fear of humans, and many will display
highly aggressive behavior during encounters with people.
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Most feral dogs can be highly aggressive
and may readily attack humans without fear. |
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They often travel in packs and, like wolves, may have rendezvous sites
and dens. Travel routes to and from these sites may be well defined and
tempting for you to use as an access trail to a work area.
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They are usually adept predators since their very existence demands
the ability to feed themselves.
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Because feral dogs are NOT a natural and desired part of the
ecosystem, please report all encounters to the proper authorities
regardless of where the encounter took place, be it urban or wilderness.
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Range:
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They may occur anywhere in the world where people have established a
presence (jungles, deserts, islands, swamps, forests, parks, landfills,
military reservations, airports, etc.).
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Packs or individuals will likely be dependent on landfills, livestock,
wild game, or fruit crops for food. The availability of such resources
will, in part, dictate their range as will the presence of effective
cover and other large carnivores.
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Feral dogs are
typically found on the fringes of human habitations. |
Identifying:
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Feral dogs come in all sizes and breeds.
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They look like domestic dogs though they will probably be more haggard in
appearance.
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Note that coyote tracks and droppings will all be of the same general size whereas a
pack of feral dogs will leave tracks and droppings of varied sizes.
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Avoiding:
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Like other wild canids, feral dogs are most active from dusk to dawn.
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Take notice of “unexplained” food scraps, large quantities of dog
tracks, droppings and other signs of concentrated activity.
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Fighting Back:
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Do not run unless you’re sure you can escape as this will trigger the
dog’s hunting instinct.
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Though natural carnivores typically attack the throat, feral dogs are
more indiscriminate in how and where they attack. That is, they will nip
and bite anywhere.
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Pepper spray will be a very effective deterrent and is proven against
bears.
(Check
local laws in your field area first. It may not be legal
to carry this.)
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 Treating an Attack:
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Expect to treat for widespread slashing and tearing as well as puncture
wounds. Bleeding may be severe. Treat for shock and seek immediate
medical attention.
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Consider all bites and scratches to be infected. Tetanus, Rabies and
tapeworms are among the numerous
pathogens that can be transmitted to a
victim.
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