Mountain lions seen by residents in the Iowa City area

Although coyotes and bears are known to frequent neighborhoods that are adjacent to wooded areas, mountain lions are the latest animals to make an appearance in broad daylight. Recently, a number of sightings have been reported in the Iowa City area, according to The Press-Citizen.

Ryan Jacobsen, a 35-year-old living in the area, told officials that he saw a mountain lion run in front of his car while driving his son to school. A resident who lives in the neighborhood that Jacobsen was driving through also made a call to report a similar sighting at the same time.

"I couldn't hardly believe my eyes," Jacobsen told the news source. "I would say it was big. If it didn't have a long tail on the end of it, I would almost think it was a deer, but it had a big long tail on the back. It was impressive."

Another car that was driving adjacent to Jacobsen pulled over, and the drivers said they had seen the cat as well. Wildlife officials say that sightings are not uncommon during this time of year.

Those who want to increase their personal safety against wild animals might want to buy pepper spray. When used properly, it can temporarily blind an aggressive creature and give a person the chance to flee.

Park City residents see an increase in dog bites

It's not uncommon for animals to turn aggressive when they feel threatened by humans, and even domesticated pets are prone to attacking strangers. However, many people believe that their furry friends could never cause injury to another person.

A handful of incidents in Park City, Utah, has proved just how unpredictable animals can be. Recently, a number of dog bites have been reported in the area, causing injuries to some of the victims. One man was attacked while working by a dog that had escaped from its home, according to The Park Record. In a similar incident, a German Shepherd bit an individual and may have caused injuries to another dog.

The police blotter has been full of reports, though the details of these events have been sparse. Animal Control was recently brought in to the area when two aggressive dogs were spotted off of their leashes. Another incident involved a 13 year-old boy, which was said to have suffered a bite from a dog that could not be controlled by its owner.

Individuals who are interested in increasing their personal safety against aggressive animals may want to purchase pepper spray. When used properly, it can temporarily blind an attacker and give a victim the chance to flee.

Pepper spray may effectively ward off wild animals

When people think of increasing their personal safety with pepper spray, they often assume that they will need to use it in the event of an attack by another human. However, aggressive animals can be just as dangerous and sometimes even more so than other human beings.

Recently, a group of campers were attacked in New Jersey in their own tents, according to The Wall Street Journal. A black bear came across the individuals who were staying in the woods along the Appalachian Trail and quickly became aggressive. It tried to grab one of the boys out of the tent before camp counselors could call for help.

The bear fled shortly after the initial attack, but attempted to raid the camp once again just moments later. Wildlife officials shot the animal in the neck before it ran into the woods. This instance is one example of when carrying an animal repellent or pepper spray might be necessary in an area where wild animals reside.

Black bears are not the only animals that have a history of becoming aggressive, however. Another animal in the same family, the grizzly bear, is renowned for causing harm when coming into contact with humans.

In 2004, one man who was hiking through Yellowstone Park came face-to-face with a female grizzly bear and her cubs that soon resulted in a violent struggle, according to The Denver Post. Denton Turner was viewing birds when he was approached by the bear that began to attack him upon feeling threatened.

As soon as the bear started to aggressively pursue him, Turner played dead in the fetal position on the ground. The animal clawed at him and bit him once before walking away, but he lives to tell the story today.

"I never felt pain at all during the whole encounter," Turner told the news source. "I just laid there as long as possible. I don't think I panicked until blood started appearing in my shirt."

Today, Turner spends his time informing other campers of things to avoid while spending time in the woods. It is important to keep all food tucked away where it cannot attract animals. Keeping pepper spray on hand can also be beneficial in the event of an attack.

Yellowstone National Park is one of the country's greatest natural treasures and a popular place for outdoor enthusiasts. However, Turner is not the only one who has ever endured an attack while visiting the forest.

Recently, a man was attacked while at the Park by a grizzly bear that had a reputation for approaching humans for food. The animal had regularly been given food by park visitors and had become accustomed to eating in this fashion.

Although the grizzly bear was only four years old, it weighed 258 pounds and posed a serious threat to the man it attacked at Yellowstone Park. He threw his backpack at the animal, which distracted it long enough for him to run away. When park officials arrived, they euthanized the animal which had a history of approaching humans.

Wildlife experts encourage campers to make sure that all of their food is properly secured while visiting the woods and warn against feeding the animals. Those who want to increase their personal safety can purchase pepper spray as another precautionary measure. When used properly, it can temporarily blind an animal and give an individual the opportunity to run to safety. It can be especially effective when approached by an aggressive animal, such as a bear. 

Postal service workers warn of dog attacks this summer

Although dog bites occur year-round, they seem to happen more in the summer months. Many pet owners are quick to allow their dogs to frolic outside without supervision, which can pose a threat to strangers around the animals.

This year, Glen Ridge and northern New Jersey postal officials are working to raise awareness of dog bites, according to the Glen Ridge Voice. Dogs attack postal service workers, as well as children and the elderly, throughout the year. Approximately 4.5 million people in the U.S. suffer a bite annually.

"Raising dog bite prevention awareness and urging responsible pet ownership helps our employees as well as the general public in the neighborhoods where we work and live," Phil Bruno, Glen Ridge postmaster, told the news source.

Officials are encouraging pet owners to get their dogs neutered. This can reduce their aggression and the likelihood of them attacking a stranger. Obedience classes can also help individuals train their dogs to be more welcoming to strangers.

Individuals who want to increase their personal safety against animals may want to buy pepper spray. When used in the face of an animal, it can cause temporary blindness and allow the victim to run to safety.

Couple suffers attack from rabid fox

A couple from Gibsonton, Florida, had a scary run in with a rabid fox recently, according to FOX 13 Tampa Bay.

The news source said the elderly couple was driving down U.S. Highway 49 in Florida when their car suddenly stopped, forcing them to pull over.

While stopped, the wife got out of the car and started to scream. Her husband came around the other side of the vehicle to see a fox dangling from his wife's arm.

"He was trying to get a piece of that arm," the victim's husband told the news station. "He was shaking, kicking and raising all kinds of Cain trying to get a piece of that arm."

He was finally able to throw the fox off his wife, but the animal stayed and began biting him on the leg. The two victims were taken to the hospital where they received rabies shots, the female victim needed stitches on her arm and thumb.

According to the Hernando County Health Department there is a rabies endemic in the area and they urged residents to vaccinate their pets against the disease and to take caution when walking as an attack could happen at any time. Purchasing pepper spray or animal repellent may be a good option if you tend to walk your pet as an animal with rabies could be anywhere and will strike without warning.

Canine attack cause for a refresher in dog safety

While many people may not think much about being the victim of a dog attack, statistics have shown that they are on the rise. According to a recent study by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, there was been a steady rise in the amount of hospitalizations due to dog bites from 1993 to 2008, with about 866 people heading to the emergency room each day in 2008. With the jump in canine-related incidents, it would behoove people to be as prepared as possible in the event of such an attack.

A Cottonwood, California, woman recently fell victim to a dog attack, having to receive treatment from the hospital at least twice for her bite wounds. Sarah McClain was waiting for her daughter at the bus stop when she was approached by a pit bull, ABC affiliate KRCR reports.

She was waiting with her younger daughter, and it took her a while for her to realize what was happening. Although she suffered the brunt of the attack, including gashes to her arms and shin, she kept her child safe.

"I thought at first I was too close to the yard and that he could reach me with his chains so I pushed out into the street and pushed the baby stroller north as far as I could," she told the news source. "I started maneuvering myself south across the street when I realized he was actually attacking me."

In light of the recent attack, many local residents have decided to refresh their memories when it comes to how to stay safe in the event of a similar incident. Although the natural instinct may be to run away when approached by an unfamiliar dog, experts recommend doing the exact opposite. Standing as still as possible with your hands at your side is the best route to take. Similarly, if you happen to get knocked down by a dog, curl up and protect your neck and face.

"The dog will respond a lot to that and how intense the dog gets depends on how intense the person is reacting," local Humane Society captain LeeAnne Smith told the news source.

One of the most vulnerable groups for being attacked by aggressive animals are joggers. Running through a neighborhood or a park can put them in contact with a number of dogs, and they should take special care to maintain their personal safety. Experts say there are a few warning signs you can spot to take action as quickly as possible.


First and foremost, look at the level of their head. If they're holding their head high, chances are low that it will turn aggressive and bite you. However, if it's low it might be more apt to attack. Additionally, how it's walking can indicate aggressiveness as well, as a steady gait might be a sign of a trouble. As a final point, try to steer clear of any dogs that are chained up or on a rope, as they tend to be more aggressive than pets who get to roam freely.

Individuals looking for an especially effective way to stay safe may want to buy pepper spray to carry with them. The device can make it difficult for an animal to see and breathe, preventing them from inflicting any harm on you. Additionally, it can be used from up to 10 feet away so you don't have to get too close to the dog in question. However, be sure to practice with the pepper spray beforehand so that if it ever needs to be used, it is done so correctly.  

Heroic bus driver keeps students safe during dog attack

An aggressive dog recently ran on to a school bus full of children near Washington, D.C., and witnesses say that the quick thinking of the bus driver saved many more youngsters from injury. Although four kids were bitten, none were seriously injured thanks to the heroics of Barry Jones, NBC Washington reports.

The American bulldog followed several students on to the bus and was immediately attempting to bite anyone in its path. Jones went to the back of the bus with all the children, and punched and kicked the dog to keep it at bay until authorities arrived on the scene and eventually shot the dog.

“When they’re on my bus I kind of feel like I’m their father for that time that they’re on my bus and they’re in my hands and I have to keep them from getting hurt in any way that I can,” Jones told the news source.

Anyone looking for an effective animal repellent may want to buy pepper spray. Since it can be used as far away as 10 feet, the device is especially effective at staying safe in the event of a dog attack.

Australian man shares harrowing dog attack account

A man from Bayview, Australia, was recently attacked by a dog while walking his own and was eager to share his plight to raise awareness of dog attacks. Peter Chillman suffered deep puncture wounds to his thigh in the morning incident, ABC News reports, and hopes his story prevents similar attacks from happening.

Chillman was out walking his small dog around 7 a.m. when the attack occurred. By his account, the canine was initially interested in his pet but quickly turned its attention toward him. Thanks to some quick thinking from a bystander, he was able to subdue the aggressive animal.

"I managed to get the dog by the throat and it didn't let go but I just hung on the dog's back because there were school kids around and a guy came out of one of the units with a rope and managed to put it around its neck and tie it to a tree but it was pretty agitated," Chillman told the news source.

Anyone looking to protect themselves from being attacked by an aggressive canine may want to consider buying pepper spray. When discharged into the face of an animal, it will make it difficult for them to see and breathe. 

USPS reveals worst dog bite cities for 2010

Mail carriers looking to avoid dangerous encounters from dogs may want to take heed of the latest announcement from the United States Postal Service (USPS). The organization revealed its list of top dog attack cities, and Houston, Texas, was on top with a whopping 62 letter carriers attacked throughout 2010.

The announcement comes before Dog Bite Awareness Week, which is slated for May 15 through 21. According to the USPS, injuries from dog bites cost the organization more than $1.2 million last year, and dog attacks accounted for more than one-third of all homeowners insurance liability claims last year.

Behind Houston, was was San Diego and Columbus, Ohio, both of which had 45 bites each. Los Angeles was in third with 44, and Louisville, Kentucky and San Antonio, Texas rounded out the top five.

Of course, postal workers aren't the only ones threatened by aggressive canines. Runners, walkers or anybody else looking to protect themselves from dog bites may want to buy pepper spray. When discharged in the face of an animal, the device can make it difficult for them to see and breathe. 

New Mexico boy speaks about dog attack

An 11-year-old boy from Albuquerque, New Mexico, who survived a vicious pit bull attack recently spoke about the ordeal, painting an intense struggle that left him seriously injured. The incident has led to a call from the boy's father for the dog to be put down lest anyone else suffer a similar fate, ABC affiliate KOAT reports.

The attack occurred inside a neighbors house when the boy, Cosmos Skelton, inside the pet owners house. Police say there is not much they can do because of where the incident took place, but the gruesome injuries he suffered make his father think otherwise. However, despite his injures, Cosmos still considers himself lucky.

"They said if it had gone farther on this [wound], it could have been bleeding and I could have possibly died," he told the news source.

Pepper spray has proven to be an effective dog repellent. Since it can be used at a distance of up to 10 feet away, the device is ideal for everyone from joggers to mail carriers who are concerned about running into an aggressive canine.
 

North Carolina postal worker attacked by five dogs

A postal worker from Catawba, North Carolina, was recently attacked by five pit bull mixes while on her route and was only saved when the animals' owner came to her rescue. The victim suffered significant wounds to her left arm, legs and shoulders and she had to be taken to the hospital, the Hickory Daily Record reports.

The pets belonged to former NASCAR driver Jeremy Mayfield, and they have all been taken into custody by local animal control officers. The incident started when the victim had to deliver a package that proved to be too big for Mayfield's mailbox, so she decided to leave it at his doorstep. When she exited her vehicle, the dogs attacked, but Mayfield was able to call them off after hearing the commotion.

"It's unbelievable that this happened to her," Thomas Graham, a neighbor of the victim, told the news source. "She's a sweet woman. She's a good neighbor."

For letter carriers and joggers, pepper spray can be a vital personal safety device. When discharged into the face of an aggressive animal, it will make it hard for it to see and breathe, allowing for potential victims to get to safety. 

Ohio police shoot, kill aggressive pit bull

Police in Kettering, Ohio, captured one dog and killed another they believed to be responsible for terrorizing a local neighborhood. Authorities say the animals severely injured a 32-year-old man who sustained significant lacerations to his right arm, the Dayton Daily News reports.

It's not the first time that the pair of pit bulls had been involved in an incident either. According to the news source, the animals had previously attacked one of the victims several years ago as well. This time, the police encountered one of the dogs in a resident's backyard, at which point it aggressively charged at the officer, leaving him no choice but to fire his weapon in self defense.

"This type of incident isn't common for us at all," Burke said. "I can't recall one where [a Kettering officer] had to discharge a firearm at a dog in the past few years."

Individuals looking for a non-lethal way to protect themselves against aggressive animals may want to consider buying pepper spray as an animal repellent. The device can be used effectively from up to 10 feet away, offering plenty of distance to keep the user safe. 

Australian woman attacked by a trio of dogs

A woman in Central Australia was injured recently when she was the victim of a vicious dog attack while attempting to help out another. The victim suffered puncture wounds to her shoulders and upper body, and the incident underscores a growing problem of dog attacks in that region, ABC News reports.

The attack began when the woman came across a canine that had its head stuck in an fence. As she attempted to free the animal, investigators say three other dogs began to attack. Police officers had to put down at least one of the dogs, and a local vet says that there may have to be stricter laws when it comes to controlling potentially aggressive animals.

"What we need is community negotiated by-laws [and] some restrictions on dog numbers that are accepted by the community that can then be enforced," vet Ted Donelan told the news source.

Those who live in the area of a potentially vicious dog may want to take a step toward protecting themselves by purchasing animal repellent or pepper spray. The device can be used from a distance of up to 10 feet away. The victim suffered puncture wounds to her shoulders and upper body, and the incident underscores a growing problem of dog attacks in that region, ABC News reports.

Arkansas woman needs surgery after dog attack

A woman from Little Rock, Arkansas, was recently bit more than 25 times by a pair of pit bulls. Twenty-two-year-old Brenie Jordan had to be hospitalized after the dogs charged at her while she was walking down an alley, CBS affiliate KTHV reports.

Police say that Jordan was walking past a local residence when she saw the two dogs in an unfenced area. Investigators say Jordan had to be taken to a local hospital and remained there for at least six days, projecting that the recovery process could be a lengthy one.

"I had to have plastic surgery done on my foot," Jordan told the news source. "They cut down to the tissue. I have a lot of bite marks all the way up to my knees."

According to a recent study conducted by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, the number of hospitalizations for dog attacks rose significantly between 1993 and 2008. Those looking to prevent becoming a victim may want to buy pepper spray as an animal repellent. When sprayed into a dog's face, the device will make it difficult for them to see and breathe.

Maryland pit bull attack has residents questioning their safety

Debate is swirling in Maryland after a pit bull attack left a 7-year-old girl with serious facial injuries, and tensions are high between those who believe the animals are dangerous and others who think owner negligence is to blame. The owner of the dogs involved in the attacks may face criminal charges, ABC affiliate WMAR reports.

The young victim was injured by a pair of pit bulls while she was riding her bike, and experts say that the amount of force such animals can exhibit is substantial. Dr. Kim Hammond, who works at a local animal hospital, told the news outlet that they can apply nearly 500 pounds of pressure - something that poses a threat to young children.

Some people who have pit bulls believe that if they are cared for correctly, they do not pose any danger. While that may be partly true, Hammond tends to disagree that an owner's attention is the only factor at work.

"It's not just the owner. It is the owner plus the breed," she told the news source.

Individuals that live close to an aggressive dog may want to buy animal repellent or pepper spray. Such devices have proven effective in preventing injury sustained from an attack.

Investigators probe dog attack on 3-year-old girl

The Department of Human Services has launched an investigation in the wake of a vicious dog attack in Iowa that left a 3-year-old girl dead. State officials are trying to determine whether the incident could have been prevented, and if not, who is to blame, ABC affiliate WOI-DT reports.

The attack happened when the victim was bitten by two Rottweilers who had broken free from an enclosure in the family's backyard. The dog's have since been put down, and the victim's mother, who was not home at the time of the attack, does not know how the canines escaped, according to the news source.

Those who live in the vicinity of notoriously aggressive dogs may want to take several steps to prevent being the victim of a similar attack. Experts say that if an individual is in such a situation, they should remain calm, resist the urge to run and assume a nonthreatening position to reduce the risk of being bitten.

However, when an attack seems unavoidable, an animal repellent such as pepper spray is the best option. When discharged into the face of an aggressive dog, the device will temporarily disable them and allow a potential victim to get to safety.  

Bizarre pig attack leaves man in hospital

A man from Wood County, Texas, recently had to be taken to the hospital after suffering a heart attack during a bizarre run-in with a neighborhood pet. Dan Turner and his family claim that their neighbor's potbellied big got loose and began attacking Turner, pinning him to a wall and biting him, CBS affiliate KYTX reports.

Although the Turners claim that it was Kyndall Wells' pet pig Tibby that is responsible, his owner is not so sure. In all the years that she has kept Tibby as a pet, the animal has never displayed any violent tendencies, and she thinks her neighbors may have confused him for something else.

"I think, honestly, if it was a pig that attacked him, it was an actual wild hog and he's blaming it on my pot-bellied pig," Wells told the news source.

While certainly not everyone is going to be the victim of a pig attack, similar incidents involving dogs are much more common. Individuals who live alongside an aggressive canine may want to buy pepper spray or another animal repellent. Such products can save a potential victim from injury and allow one to get to safety. 

Man uses piece of wood to fend off aggressive bobcat

A man in Grant-Valkaria, Florida, recently saved his wife and dog from serious injury after he beat back an attacking bobcat with a large piece of wood. Although the animal slunk into the woods after the attack, local officials are urging area residents to be on alert for potentially dangerous wildlife in the immediate future, CBS affiliate WTSP reports.

The incident occurred around 4 p.m. when the man, Rich Arnold, noticed his wife being attacked at the couple's mailbox. His wife suffered several bite wounds to the ankle before the bobcat turned its attention toward the Arnolds' small dog, which is when Rich decided to take action.

"I attacked it with a 4-by-4 and then a broom," he told the news source. Animal control officials say that the animal was likely infected with rabies or some other illness, so Arnold's wife had to receive shots for the disease in addition to stitches.

Individuals who live in the area of an aggressive animal or face the potential of such an attack may want to carry an animal repellent or pepper spray. The device has shown to make it difficult for some animals to see and breathe.

Pit bull wounds animal shelter worker in Florida

A pit bull in Escambia County, Florida, that was brought in and quarantined for vicious behavior, recently attacked an animal control officer. The victim had to be taken to the hospital for treatment, and the animal is expected to remain in seclusion for at least 10 days, the Pensacola News Journal reports.

The animal was labeled dangerous and vicious by the Escambia County Animal Shelter, but was being released to its owner when the attack occurred. The dog's owner was attempting to muzzle her pet when it broke free and attacked 31-year-old Kathryn Sessions.

This incident highlights the threat posed by aggressive pit bulls. According to Dogsbite.org, a survey by the website found that of the 88 deaths caused by dog bites in a three year span, 59 percent were connected to pit bulls.

Runners, walkers or families with young children may want to take measures to prevent a similar attack from occurring. Pepper spray has shown to be an effective animal repellent and can turn back an aggressive canine.  

Dog attack leaves victim's family, landlord fuming

A family and their landlord are looking for answers after a 3-year-old old girl recently suffered serious injuries from a pit bull attack. According to NBC affiliate WSAV, the two are calling for stricter laws that will prevent such an incident from occurring again.

The anger stems largely from the fact that the dog that attacked the child had been in the custody of animal control twice not long before the incident. Additionally, the landlord, Elaine Anderson, claims to have alerted authorities about the presence of some aggressive animals near the building and professed that she was concerned about the safety of children, but nothing was done.

"I thought that it was taken care of," she told the news source. "I thought that was the end of those dogs running free but that wasn't the case."

People who live near aggressive canines may want to consider purchasing some animal repellent in the form of pepper spray. The device has been proven to make it difficult for a dog to see and breathe, and can prevent such attacks from happening.