Wild Dragon Encounter Safety Protocols

The International Dragon Research Institute (IDRI) mandates these critical safety measures for any potential dragon encounters. Remember: No photograph is worth your life.

Basic Encounter Protocol:

Upon sighting a dragon, immediately assess wind direction. Dragons rely heavily on scent and you must stay downwind. A sudden shift in wind direction led to the fatal Schwarzwald incident of 1993, when an experienced researcher was detected by a territorial male Bavarian Forest Drake.

Distance Requirements:

• Maintain minimum 500 meters from any adult specimen
• Double this distance during mating season (late autumn)
• Triple distance if hatchlings are observed
• Immediate evacuation required if the dragon raises its neck scales or begins deep chest breathing

Essential Equipment:

• Heat-reflective emergency shelter (rated to 2000°C)
• Dragon-grade fire suppressant (standard extinguishers are ineffective)
• Infrared monitoring device (dragons are detectable by heat signature up to 3km away)
• Wind direction indicators (minimum 3 types in case of equipment failure)
• Emergency signal beacon (standard GPS devices often malfunction near dragon bioelectric fields)

Critical Signs of Aggression:

• Neck frill expansion
• Tail elevation above 45 degrees
• Scraping of front claws against terrain
• Deep, resonant humming (indicates preparing for flame)
• Scale iridescence intensifying (particularly in mountain species)

If you observe ANY of these signs, initiate emergency protocols:

• Freeze completely - sudden movement triggers predatory response
• Slowly deploy heat shield while maintaining visual contact
• Begin careful retreat only after the dragon has shown clear disinterest
• Never turn your back - dragons interpret this as prey behavior