How to Survive a Jaguar Attack

Co-authored by Ky Furneaux

Last Updated: January 30, 2024

Should you ever have to encounter a jaguar on a nice trip through the tropical rainforests of South America, or due to the unfortunate bad luck of finding yourself in a jaguar enclosure in a zoo, then here are some tips you'll need to survive those big teeth and claws aimed towards you.

Steps

Download Article

The last thing you want is a jaguar leaping onto your back unexpectedly from a tree!^{[1]
X
Research source}
If you see a jaguar that doesn't spot you, then don't disturb it.

Advertisement
If the jaguar spots you, avoid eye contact, this can be seen as a challenge.
You will be viewed as prey. Plus, jaguars are much faster than you.^{[2]
X
Research source}
If the jaguar charges at you, don't run, instead, hold your ground, wave your arms and shout, making yourself seem bigger and more dangerous than you really are.
If the jaguar does not stop charging, poking it in the eye or punching it on the nose could well discourage it from pressing its attack.
The jaguar is a very unusual killer. Rather than biting the neck, it goes for the back of the head to pierce the brain and kill the prey. Protecting your head could help you survive, although this cat has very strong teeth.^{[3]
X
Research source}

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

Will it eventually go away with enough time?

Community Answer

It is very rare that you will ever see a jaguar and if it shows itself to you I would recommend going back the way you came because you might be getting too close to its den. As in almost all animals, jaguars are more afraid of you than you are of them.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 24 Helpful 98
Question

Why do jaguars stay in trees?

Community Answer

They are strong climbers and usually drag their prey up the tree to eat to prevent the loss of their prey to other animals.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 27 Helpful 77
Question

If I have meat with me, should I throw it somewhere to try to send the jaguar in that direction?

Community Answer

Absolutely not! The jaguar will see that you have food and it will be more attracted to you. Don't do anything to draw attention to yourself.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 21 Helpful 73

See more answers

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Tips

You are more likely to be struck by lightning than attacked by a jaguar.They very rarely attack humans.^{[4]
X
Research source}

Thanks
Helpful 10 Not Helpful 0
Jaguars are said to bite harder than tigers and lions!

Thanks
Helpful 7 Not Helpful 0
Black panthers are a type of black jaguar, for the record.

Thanks
Helpful 5 Not Helpful 1

Show More Tips

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Name

Please provide your name and last initial

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Warnings

Never go near cubs either. Mothers will be extremely defensive.

Thanks
Helpful 64 Not Helpful 4
Never approach a wild jaguar.Use camera lenses instead.

Thanks
Helpful 17 Not Helpful 2