Originally posted by Gunther Ultrabolt Novacrunch:

Also: Why are you running from them?

Stand your ground they have a VERY predictable flight pattern (that you haven't recognized yet).

They'll orbit you a bit, then come straight in.

From what I see no one has mentioned if timed right, you can 1 shot them as they get to you.

Also, you CAN outrun them. Full run and just as they get to you for the hit, zig zag a bit and they will miss. I do this quite a bit when just exploring the plains and not wanting to engage the pursuing nuisances, and it works if you absolutely need to retreat to survive.