It may be called “bear spray”, but it also works on mountain lions. Additionally, a mountain lion typically goes for its prey’s neck or head, so try to keep standing on your feet and face it. Plenty of people have successfully fought off a cougar before. Use whatever tools or weapons you have, from rocks and sticks to hiking poles, knives and even your bare hands. Fight back! – In case the mountain lion attacks you, you have to fight back with all your might.If it keeps moving toward you, throw things directly at the animal. First, try not to kit the cougar, since there’s no need to hurt it (yet). Do that without bending down or turning your back to it. That includes rocks, stones and branches. Throw things – If the animal doesn’t back away, start throwing things in its direction.Make any sound that makes it clear you’re not prey. Bang your water bottle, shout, yell, clap your hands. Be loud – Another essential tip for what to do if you encounter a cougar is making noise.Running away might make them think you are one. Never-ever!-run away – Deer are the favorite prey of mountain lions.Give the cougar a way to escape – Never approach a mountain lion, particularly if it has kittens or is feeding.You can also waive your arms slowly and open your jacket. Make yourself as big as possible – Lift up your backpack and hiking poles, pick up children, keep pets close and stand close to your fellow hikers.Keep facing the mountain lion and stand tall. Remain calm – Always hold your ground and walk away slowly, never turning your back to the animal.
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Other tips for how to survive a mountain lion encounter are the following: Either way, when hiking in a region where mountain lions live, you have to let them know you’re not prey.Īs mentioned above, you can do that by making noise and hiking in groups. Sometimes, however, they might come closer and show themselves, as they’re trying to figure out whether or not you’re a potential meal. You might, therefore, not even see a mountain lion attack coming. They’re very quiet and will typically track and follow their prey for a while before pouncing. It’s also critical to know that mountain lions are stalkers. You have to take the situation seriously. I’d love for you to realize how fortunate you are to experience this, but it’s even more important to know what to do if you encounter a mountain lion. Image credit: NPS What To Do If You See a Mountain LionĪ mountain lion encounter in the wild is exceptional. Mountain Lion Safety Tips While Hiking: What To Do & How To Behave Therefore, you need to be aware of the animals’ presence when hiking in mountain lion habitat and know what to do during a mountain lion encounter. When they do, they’re often a surprise and always frightening. In this post, I’ll talk about mountain lion safety and what to do when you see a mountain lion while hiking.įirst of all, it’s important to know that mountain lion attacks are very rare. In the United States, too, they’re very common and encounters between humans and mountain lions become increasingly frequent as more and more people enjoy the state and national parks in America. They’re one of the most widespread large land mammals in the Western Hemisphere. You can read more about our Terms of Use / Disclosure here.Įncountering a mountain lion in the wild is both a thrilling and terrifying experience.Īlso known as cougars, catamounts, panthers or pumas, these huge cats thrive in virtually all environments in the Americas, from southern Argentina to the Yukon. This what to do during a mountain lion encounter post contains affiliate links. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, CO.Great Smoky Mountains National Park, NC/TN.
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