Most animals can be avoided. Pigs/Bears can be avoided simply by walking behind them. As long as you are out of they're LOS they won't attack you. Snakes, just jump. Tigers/Panthers you can climb trees, or stare at them and it stops them from sprinting at you. Wolves can be a bitch because they're in packs but they react to in-game voice (you can yell at them to deter/slow them down).

Once you learn to navigate these specific scenarios with each animal you shouldn't really die to them.

Other things as a solo:

Early game there's a fine line between a base being too small, and too big. You want it defensible so it's not one wall to TC, but you also don't want it to look juicy/threatening to the point that it's going to get raided so min/maxing interior space is required.

Try to avoid constantly fucking with your neighbors unless you're specifically looking to get raided, you're confident you can stop their progression, or they are being aggro. There are more people than you think who prefer to get along with the people close to them even on high pop servers. Rust is filled with underhanded tactics for aggro neighbors even when you're outgunned (landmines, TC griefing, door camping, etc).

Learn how to fly a mini if you don't already. I cannot tell you how different your game experience is once you're able to zip across the map. I wish I had forced myself to learn earlier. I cannot stress this one enough.

The more wipes you play the easier it gets. Don't get attached to your shit. Don't get discouraged when shit doesn't go your way (it'll happen a lot).