Hobbies And Interests
Mountain Lions
Mountain lions, which are also termed cougars, have been responsible for numerous attacks on humans. Verified attacks on humans in California between the years 1986 and 1995, were so numerous, that a support group, called California Lion Awareness (CLAW), was formed for survivors of these incidences. The Mountain Lion Awareness Foundation indicates that in excess of 4,000 people die in traffic accidents each year, as opposed to the two people which died from cougar injuries between 1986 and 1998. Statistically, the foundation argues that a motor vehicle is 2, 000 times more likely to kill a human than a mountain lion.
Crocodiles
The Guinness Book of Records lists the Ramree Island crocodile attacks as the greatest massacre of humans by animals in recorded history. It is believed that between 500 and 1,000 Japanese soldiers retreated through the mangrove swamps on February 19, 1945 when the Allied troops landed on Ramree Island. It is alleged that all but 20 of these soldiers were mauled to death by saltwater crocodiles, but the actual scale of the slaughter is disputed. The crocodile specialist group of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUNC) indicates that after lions and hippos, Nile crocodiles are responsible for the largest numbers of animal-related deaths in Africa. Many nonfatal crocodile attacks are not reported, but attacks by crocodiles on people, are estimated to exceed 300 annually.
Elephants
According to Lynette Hart, a veterinary professor who has done considerable research into human-elephant interaction, it is often the most dependable and docile zoo and circus elephants that commit unprovoked attacks on their keepers. Some 20 years ago, working with elephants was considered to be the most dangerous job in the United States. Between the years, 1989 and 1991, six elephant keepers were killed by their animals. American zoos are currently moving away from free contact and initiating protected-contact elephant training sessions, in which the animal remains behind a barrier when being worked with.
Sharks
Sharks are supreme predators that can smell one part of blood in 500 million parts of water. Among the large predators which attack humans, sharks are possibly the most feared by people. Shark attacks on humans have been recorded throughout history, and these great predators have effectively remained untouched by man's attempts to protect himself. Sharks pose a potential danger to swimmers and surfers, but in reality, snakes and bees are responsible for more human deaths annually. As progressively more people begin using the sea for recreational activities, the opportunity for shark-human contact will rise.