If you ever encounter a mountain lion in a dangerous situation, it's crucial to be prepared, especially if you reside in an area where these large cats roam. This guide will provide you with essential information on how to safeguard yourself.
Instructions
Protecting Yourself from an Aggressive Mountain Lion
Recognize signs indicating a potential attack. If a mountain lion is within 25 yards of you and maintains direct eye contact, it's preparing to strike. It will typically crouch low to the ground with its tail twitching back and forth.
Retreat slowly. Traditionally, it's advised not to flee from a mountain lion as this may trigger its instinct to give chase and attack by biting your neck. However, recent research indicates that standing still in front of the mountain lion poses a higher risk of serious or fatal injury compared to backing away slowly or even running quickly. Slowly backing away has been shown to have the lowest fatality rates.
- If you opt to run (though it's not recommended), assess your surroundings to find a stable, flat surface. Running uphill or over rugged terrain might make the mountain lion perceive you as an easier target.
Be loud. If you choose to confront the mountain lion, don't do so silently. Speak loudly and assertively to the mountain lion; you can even try shouting to intimidate it. Avoid screaming or panicking; instead, project your voice forcefully.
Appear larger. Stand tall, raise your arms above your head, and open your jacket to appear as large and threatening as possible. If there are small children with you, lift them up. (This not only makes you seem bigger but also protects the child.) Inflate your chest and pull your shoulders back. Avoid crouching before the mountain lion as it may interpret this as a sign of weakness.
Arm yourself for defense. If you have a walking stick, hunting knife, rocks, or any other substantial weapon to deter the mountain lion, use it when facing an attack. Pepper spray can also be effective.
- If the mountain lion behaves aggressively, throw stones near it to give the impression that you're a threat.
- You may also employ a hunting rifle or pistol to shoot at the lion if it charges at you. Begin with a warning shot to scare it off before resorting to lethal force.
Shield your neck, throat, and head. The mountain lion is likely to pounce on you and aim for your skull or throat. Block its advances toward your eyes and face while fighting back. Use every means at your disposal to repel it.
- An average adult should be capable of defending against an attack by retaliating, given that mountain lions are relatively small. Target its head, mouth, and eyes.
Notify authorities of the sighting. Report your encounter to the authorities as soon as possible.
Detecting Signs of a Mountain Lion's Presence Before an Attack
Watch for tracks. The key to avoiding a mountain lion encounter is to leave the area upon detecting its presence. While hiking or camping, keep an eye out for mountain lion tracks. These prints typically feature a slightly triangular heel surrounded by four toes, with two lobe bumps at the top of the heel and three at the bottom. The elongated toes resemble extended ovals and usually lack claw marks.
- Mountain lions move at a slower pace than dogs or coyotes, resulting in tracks that are further apart and aligned directly behind each other. Don't mistake these prints for those of dogs or coyotes.
Beware of mountain lion scat. This indicates the presence of a mountain lion nearby! The scat consists of segments about 1'-1 1/2' in diameter, similar in size to a dog's feces. Upon closer inspection, it may contain bones, teeth, and hair from recent prey.
Stay alert for claw marks. Male mountain lions often leave scratch marks on tree trunks to signal their presence and establish territory. These marks typically occur between four and eight feet above the ground. Regular sightings of such markings may indicate that you're in a favored path of mountain lions.
- While mountain lions make these markings, bears create similar ones, but with larger bark chunks missing. Elk may also scrape their antlers on trees, resulting in smaller, more horizontal marks.
Give the mountain lion space. If you spot a mountain lion from a distance (more than 100 yards away), refrain from pursuing it, especially if it's moving away. Ensure children stay clear as well. Unlike lions or other social big cats, mountain lions steer clear of human settlements, making avoidance more likely than confrontation.
Preventing a Confrontation with a Mountain Lion
Travel and camp in groups. Mountain lions are solitary beings and don't hunt in packs. Therefore, being in a group reduces the likelihood of an attack compared to hiking or camping alone.
Avoid hiking during twilight or dawn. Mountain lions are most active during these times, relying on their superior night vision for hunting. If you're in an area known for mountain lions, avoid solitary walks at night, early morning, or late evening.
Protect your home from deer. Since mountain lions prey on deer, discourage deer from your property if you live in mountain lion territory. Deer are attracted to vegetation like roses, chrysanthemums, and berries, so avoid planting them or keep them in enclosed areas. Installing outdoor lighting and automated sprinklers can also help deter deer and mountain lions.
Keep your pets indoors. While mountain lions typically prefer wild prey like deer or elk, in areas with scarce food, they may target household pets and livestock. Ensure your dogs and cats are kept indoors or on a leash when outside to avoid attracting mountain lions. Livestock should be kept in fenced or sheltered areas such as barns or stables for protection.
Useful Tips
- Avoid approaching a mountain lion, especially if it's eating or with its kittens. Most mountain lions prefer to avoid confrontation. Giving them an escape route is the best defense before the situation escalates.
- When looking for objects to throw at the lion, avoid bending down. Instead, try grabbing rocks from the trail's edge, finding reachable loose branches, or breaking off branches from trees and shrubs. You can also use items from your pack, such as water bottles or other heavy objects.
The suggestions in this section are drawn from the experiences of Mytour readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you'd like to share on Mytour, please submit it below.
- If you encounter a mountain lion, remain calm and maintain a relaxed demeanor. Slowly back away. Fearful and panicked individuals are more likely to be targeted, as mountain lions instinctively chase fleeing prey.
- Make yourself appear large and speak loudly to the lion. This action will often cause it to flee.
