When animals attack … no!

While on holiday in Cape Town, South Africa, we had a “when animals attack” experience … almost like the ones that you see on the television show, ”When animals attack.”  I have to confess that I have never seen the show except for the promotions, but in retrospect, I can laugh about our almost-animal-attack.

We were on a tour, or should I say adventure, around the Cape.  As citizens of the United States, we had never seen baboons in the wild.  Our first siting was on our way to the Cape of Good Hope. 
We thought, how cool.  Our tour operator, Hendrien, warned up that these “cute” animals are animals and can be quite vicious.  So, she gave up some tips about what to do if a baboon approaches up.

1. don’t run, stand still.
2. show the baboons your palm, not fist, or threatening.
3. don’t look the animal in the eye.
4. look slightly away.

  We learned that human expansion, much like what is occurring in parts of the United States, is encroaching upon their territory.  Frequently, these baboons are attracted to food and will fight for it.

So, as we are walking to the parking lot for the lighthouse, a baboon, seemingly from no where, starting running toward us.  Remembering Hendrien’s advice, I remain still, show my palms, and look away.  To my surprise the baboon stops! 

So, the moral of the story, animals attack when human encroach.