Spirit of Survival (SOS) "Tips"

Below is from the race packet information I received for my marathon tomorrow. Thought you would enjoy... emphasis added....

The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge is a 59,020-acre open range, home to nearly
3,000 big game animals. Runners may encounter bison (buffalo), elk, long-horned cattle
(longhorn), white-tailed deer and other wildlife along the routes. Usually, these animals
are not aggressive, but if you get too close, or someone stupidly decides to bring a herb of human marathoners into their habitat, they can be. Below are some helpful hints for
wildlife encounters.

If you encounter a large herd or a single animal on the roadway, you must stop until
they have passed. Don’t try to shoo them away. This is their home; take the time to admire
their beauty as they are stomping you into the dirt of "their home".

Although buffalo are large and appear slow, they are very quick on short runs and may
charge from as far as 200 feet away. A buffalo can go from a complete stand-still to over
30 miles per hour in three seconds. If a buffalo raises his tail, this is a warning that you are
too close. If you are charged by a buffalo or longhorn, seek a climbable tree or rock that is
taller than the animal. If no protection is nearby or there is not enough time to get away,
curl up in a tight ball on the ground and kiss your ass goodbye! Stay still until the animal is completely gone. Then, get up, clean the crap out of your shorts and continue running

Rattlesnakes should not be a problem, but if you see one, leave it alone. Oh, don't fuckin' worry about that! ME leaving IT alone is not the problem!

Enjoy the scenic beauty of the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. This refuge is one of
547 National Wildlife Refuges in the United States. All wildlife, plants, rocks and antlers, but not runners, are protected.

Thanks for listening