How to Defend Against a Ram

Why do rams headbutt

Rams are notorious for charging and headbutting one another. In certain cases, they will even attempt to assault people. If you’re going to be in the presence of a ram, it’s a good idea to be prepared to protect yourself if it charges. You have the option of walking toward a ram that is starting to back up, standing your ground and avoiding an assault, or wrestling it to the ground. Keeping your eyes on the ram, avoiding caressing a ram, and keeping your head up are all strategies to escape an attack. Rams may be hazardous, so keep away from them if you don’t know how to manage yourself.

1. Putting an End to a Charging Ram

1. Approach a ram that is retreating away from you. When a ram backs up, it typically signifies it intends to attack you. In the wild, another ram would similarly shy away from the confrontation. If you approach the ram, you may be able to disorient it long enough for you to flee.

• If traveling toward the ram implies walking away from a gate, you may need to adopt an alternative route.
• Don’t sprint at the ram since it may interpret your actions as a charge. Simply stroll at a steady speed towards the direction of the animal.
• If the ram backs up and you continue to go toward it for a long enough period of time, it will most certainly charge at some point, so be prepared to use another defensive tactic.

2. When the ram charges, throw a heavy stick at it. You’ll almost certainly need to bring the stick inside the pen with you ahead of time. A stick three or four feet long and two inches thick is perfect. Hold the stick out in front of you and swing it downward as the ram charges.

• This may slow the ram down, but you should be prepared to dodge if it does not stop altogether.

3. Hold your ground until the ram rushes, then duck to the side. It may be frightening to stay motionless as the ram rushes you, but running away is not an option since they may reach speeds of up to 40 mph. When the ram comes near to you, it will climb upon its hind legs, which means it will be unable to move side to side. This is the time to swerve to the side.

• Because the ram expects to butt its head against anything after lunging, it will be perplexed if it simply encounters air. Take advantage of this opportunity to plan your next move.

4. Bring the ram to the ground by wrestling it to the ground. Grab the ram’s horn as it approaches you and let its momentum swing the ram in a circle. If you can grip its rear leg, you may be able to pull it down. This is a dangerous move that should only be attempted in emergency circumstances.

• Grab either the right or left horn with your right hand and swing the ram around the same side of your body as the hand you grabbed with.
• As the ram swings in a circle, you may be able to catch the other horn and twist the ram’s head to bring it to the ground.

2. Avoiding a Penalty

1. Maintain constant focus on the ram. If a ram chooses to charge, it may come to you very rapidly, so never turn your back on a close ram. The most effective safety strategy is to always know where the ram is.

• This requires care, but it is the kind of preventative approach that is most likely to pay off. If you can constantly see the ram, you have a greater chance of protecting yourself in the event of a charge.
• To avoid constantly keeping your eyes on the ram, it is best to collaborate with at least one other person, who can assist you get things done while keeping the ram in sight.

2. A ram’s head should not be scratched or pushed. Because the ram’s head is its primary weapon, touching it might be seen as a sign of aggressiveness by the ram. This is why it is very crucial never to stroke a ram’s head. Even though it seems friendly, this move may swiftly alter the ram’s disposition.

• Rams reared as pets may approach and nuzzle in a manner that begs you to touch them, but you must resist doing so at all costs.
• Pushing a ram’s head, more than scratching or caressing, will be seen as an act of hostility towards it and may cause the ram to become violent.

3. Keep your head up while you’re near a ram. A ram lowers its head as it prepares to charge. If a ram notices you lowering your head toward it, it will interpret this as an indication that you are an opponent. If you drop your head, you are defying the ram and may be charged.

• This is particularly crucial to remember if you drop something and have to bend down to pick it up. You should stoop and maintain your head as erect as possible so that the ram doesn’t notice you lowering your head.