First Sight: Wave your arms above your head slowly and speak in an even, firm tone as you back away. Do not make eye contact or turn your back. Most important, do not run, as this may prompt a bear to charge. If the bear is within 15 feet and you had the presence of mind to pull out bear spray, discharge it at the bear's face.

Last Resort: Respond to a grizzly attack by curling in a ball with your hands behind your neck and playing dead. But if it's a black bear, use sticks, rocks, fists, and anything else at your disposal to persuade the bear that you're better left alone.

SURVIVAL QUIZ Would you know what to do if you encountered a mountain lion? Take our quiz—and enter to win a prize! • Launch the quiz • Read how to play • Read the rules JUNE 2006 ISSUE • Table of Contents • Splurges! • Secret Hotels of the French Riviera • Testing our Cruise Tips • Road Trip: Eastern Kansas • Trip Coach: Japan • 40 Best Vacations

JELLYFISH

Avoidance: Jellyfish populations migrate slowly and can inundate beaches, so ask lifeguards about the conditions. Wearing a wet suit lessens your risk of being stung. A dead jellyfish will still sting, so don't touch one even when it's washed ashore (it'll look like a plastic bag).

First Sight: A jellyfish stings on contact; it doesn't matter if you bump into one unintentionally or you're foolishly trying to pick one up. The best defense is to keep clear of them. And don't get carried away: The stings of a scyphozoan jellyfish (the most common type in North America) are seldom life-threatening.

Last Resort: After a sting, get out of the water immediately and brush off any tentacles using a towel or other object (not your hands--you'll continue to be stung). Rinse jellyfish wounds in salt water or vinegar, which lifeguards often have on hand. Seek medical attention for severe rashes, fever, or shock.

SNAKE

Avoidance: Wear thick boots that are at least ankle-high. Tapping the ground with a walking stick helps scare off snakes. Bring a snakebite kit if you know you're going to be spending time in an area where poisonous snakes live.

First Sight: Maintain your distance. Many bites occur when people try to catch or kill a snake. Snakes bite humans in self-defense and rarely chase large creatures. Be cautious even around dead ones--a full hour after death, a snake's jaws can still clamp down.

Last Resort: Most snakes aren't poisonous, but once bitten you should take all precautions. Keep the wound below your heart and limit movement to minimize the spread of venom. Catalogue the snake's features to help an expert identify what kind it was, and alert doctors you're on your way.

WOLF

Avoidance: Wolves are attracted by the smell of food, so when camping, keep your cooking area separate from where you sleep. Dispose of your garbage and store cooking supplies and food properly.