4. Mountain Lion/Cougar
Attacks from mountain lions are very rare, and they’re going to prey on elk and deer – not humans. But danger arises when people hike alone or families with children let the kids run ahead and make noises.
Families and adults should think like a sandwich and the parents should be like a piece of bread and the children should be the filling. One adult should be leading the pack and one should be in the back.
Here is a list of tips for a mountain lion encounter from the conservation advocacy group, The Cougar Fund:
- Be especially alert when recreating at dawn or dusk, which are peak times for cougar activity.
- Consider recreating with others. When in groups, you are less likely to surprise a lion. If alone, consider carrying bear spray or attaching a bell to yourself or your backpack. Tell a friend where you are going and when you plan to return. In general cougars are shy and will rarely approach noise or other human activities.
- Supervise children and pets. Keep them close to you. Teach children about cougars and how to recreate responsibly. Instruct them about how to behave in the event of an encounter.
- If you come into contact with a cougar that does not run away, stay calm, stand your ground and don't back down! Back away slowly if possible and safe to do so. Pick up children, but DO NOT BEND DOWN, DO NOT TURN YOUR BACK, OR DO NOT RUN. Running triggers an innate predatory response in cougars which could lead to an attack.
- Raise your voice and speak firmly. Raise your arms to make yourself look larger, clap your hands, and throw something you might have in your hands, like a water bottle. Again, do not bend over to pick up a stone off the ground. This action may trigger a pounce response in a cougar.
- If in the very unusual event that a lion attacks you, fight back. People have successfully fought off lions with rocks and sticks. Try to remain standing and get up if you fall to the ground.