WHY DO LIONS NOT ATTACK WHEN YOU ARE IN A SAFARI VEHICLE?

 

If you go on a safari in Africa, you may expect to see lions. Are you safe in a safari vehicle? They are surely dangerous animals that hunt for prey in the wild. Does staying in a car make you safer?

Safari vehicles are considered a very safe measure of transportation during tourist trips in nature. So why do lions not attack when you are in a safari vehicle? Image credit: Ashim D’Silva via Unsplash, free license

Are lions dangerous to humans?

It is true that lions are dangerous to humans, although they do not attack without a reason.

Typically, when they see a human, they may feel threatened, especially if the human panics and starts running. Lions are even more aggressive when they are with their cubs or at night.

You should never attempt to provoke a lion, as it may attack in an effort of self-defense. Simply approaching this wild beast too closely could be enough to startle it, so it may feel a need to protect its territory.

Two lions. Like kittens, aren’t they? But don’t be fooled. These cats are very dangerous. Image credit: Jean Wimmerlin via Unsplash, free license

Usually, lions do not perceive humans as prey. But their reaction can be heavily influenced by the behavior of the encountered human being. If a human is walking or running alone, is in a vulnerable position, these big cats may understand this as a sign of prey.

Also note that lions that are injured or old may behave irrationally. It is difficult for them to get food, and attacking humans may be done out of desperation to survive.

In any circumstances, do not remain in areas populated by lions without qualified supervisors.

Why do lions not attack when you are in a safari vehicle?

But when you are in a safari vehicle, you are much safer than if you were simply standing outside, not riding in a car.

And the reason may be a bit surprising, because it has little to do with the protective measures these safari vehicles are equipped with.

An aggressive lion defending its territory. Image credit: Joel Herzog via Unsplash, free license

Lions perceive vehicles as unusually massive beasts, so they don’t attack them. Similarly, they don’t attack large animals such as elephants. Lions, often called kings of the jungle, are not invincible, and there are quite a few more giant beings that could injure a big cat before it could do any serious harm to the opponent.

A single human is not considered a big beast by lions. But lions weigh their chances of success when he is in a car. Large safari vehicle is just another beast to them. And a big, potentially dangerous beast that animals prefer to avoid.

That’s the reason why lions usually try to keep a distance from a safari car.

What are other precautions to safeguard against lion attacks?

Moreover, local guides usually take other precautions before organizing safari tours.

Lions are trained to get used to the safari vehicles. This training is often done by nature-preserving organizations and their employees. Then, large animals perceive peacefully traveling cars as a natural part of the landscape and don’t attack them.

Elephants walking by the safari vehicle. Do not try to stick anything outwards, as it may scare them and provoke an attack. Image credit: redcharlie via Unsplash, free license

What safety guidelines should you follow when on safari?

Of course, you must take some precautions when on a safari tour.

The first and most obvious risk – it is deadly dangerous to get off the vehicle. Also, if lions approach the vehicle, it is best not to stand up or put your head out as they may feel threatened.

If something goes wrong and you encounter a lion in the wild, remain calm and avoid running. Instead, try to make yourself look bigger by raising your hands and avoiding sudden movements. Also, carefully memorize and strictly follow all the safety instructions your guides are giving to you before the trip.

Final word

Lion attacks on humans are uncommon compared to other predatory incidents. But you should still exercise caution and respect for these animals when encountering them or visiting areas where they reside to minimize the risk of incidents. And the answer to the question of why do lions not attack when you are in a safari vehicle is simple: they see the vehicle as another big animal that they do not dare to attack.