If you come across a mountain lion never approach the animal. Immediately back away slowly while continuing to face the mountain lion. If you have small children with you pick them up if possible so they don’t run. Running away from a mountain lion may trigger its instinct to chase. Make yourself look as large as possible by opening your jacket or raising your arms. Make loud noises by yelling banging pots and pans together or using an air horn. Throw rocks or other objects at the mountain lion being careful not to hit it directly. Fight back if the mountain lion attacks you. Try to remain standing and use whatever you have on hand to defend yourself including pocket knives sticks and rocks.
Mountain lions are an apex predator and one of the largest cats in North America. They are also known as pumas cougars and catamounts. Mountain lions are shy elusive creatures and generally avoid contact with humans. However as human development continues to encroach on their habitats conflicts between humans and mountain lions are becoming more common.
If you live in an area where mountain lions are known to inhabit there are some simple steps you can take to reduce the chances of an encounter:
-Keep your pets indoors at night. Mountain lions are most active at dawn and dusk and they often prey on small animals such as rabbits squirrels and cats.
-Don’t leave pet food outside. This will attract small animals which in turn may attract mountain lions.
– Secure your trash. Again this will keep small animals away and reduce the chances of attracting a mountain lion.
-Keep your yard clean and free of brush rocks and other places where a mountain lion could hide.
-Install motion-sensor lights around your home.
-Never approach a mountain lion even if it’s dead. These animals can carry diseases that are dangerous to humans such as rabies.
If you do encounter a mountain lion remember to never turn your back on the animal or run away. This will trigger the animal’s instinct to chase. Instead make yourself look as large as possible by opening your jacket or raising your arms. Make noise by yelling banging pots and pans together or using an air horn. Try to throw rocks or other objects at the mountain lion being careful not to hit it directly. And finally if the mountain lion does attack fight back with whatever you have on hand including pocket knives sticks and rocks.
Mountain lion attacks on humans are rare but they do happen. And when they do they can be fatal. In March of 2020 a mountain lion attacked and killed a man in Orange County California. It was the first fatal mountain lion attack in California in more than a decade.
So what should you do if you come across a mountain lion? Never approach the animal make yourself look as large as possible make noise throw objects at the animal and fight back if attacked. By following these simple steps you can reduce the chances of an encounter and keep yourself safe if you do come face-to-face with a mountain lion.
How can you tell if a mountain lion is nearby?
Answer: If you see one it’s too late.
If you hear an animal making a long low growl-like sound it’s probably a mountain lion.
What should you do if you see a mountain lion?
Answer: If you have kids with you pick them up without making any sudden movements.
Act calmly and slowly back away facing the lion.
Give the lion a chance to leave.
What should you do if you’re attacked by a mountain lion?
Answer: Fight back.
Use anything you can as a weapon.
Try to remain standing and do not run.
What’s the best way to avoid an attack from a mountain lion?
Answer: Don’t hike bike or jog alone.
Keep a close watch on kids.
If you see a mountain lion make yourself look as big as possible make loud noises and slowly back away.
What should you do if you live in an area where mountain lions are present?
Answer: Keep your yard clean of garbage and pet food.
Keep pets indoors especially at night.
Don’t hike bike or jog alone.
What should you do if you encounter a mountain lion while hiking?
Answer: Don’t approach the animal.
If you see a lion act calm and slowly back away.
If you have children with you pick them up if possible without bending over or making sudden movements.
Give the lion plenty of room to escape.
What should you do if you encounter a mountain lion while biking?
Answer: Try to scare the animal off by making loud noises and waving your arms.
Do not try to outrun the lion.
If you are attacked fight back.
What should you do if you encounter a mountain lion while jogging?
Answer: Try to scare the animal off by making loud noises and waving your arms.
Do not try to outrun the lion.
If you are attacked fight back.
What are some signs that a mountain lion is stalking you?
Answer: You might see the animal following you from a distance.
It might be crouching down hiding behind a bush or tree.
What should you do if you think a mountain lion is stalking you?
Answer: Try to scare the animal off by making loud noises and waving your arms.
If that doesn’t work throw rocks or sticks in its direction.
Do not turn your back on the animal or try to outrun it.
What should you do if a mountain lion attacks you?
Answer: Try to remain standing.
Fight back with anything you can.
Use rocks sticks or even your fists.
Do not play dead run away or turn your back on the animal.
What are some things you should not do if a mountain lion is attacking you?
Answer: Do not play dead run away or turn your back on the animal.
How can you defend yourself against a mountain lion if you don’t have anything to use as a weapon?
Answer: Use rocks sticks or even your fists.
Try to remain standing and do not run.
What should you do after a mountain lion attack?
Answer: seek medical attention immediately even if your injuries seem minor.
What should you do if you find a dead mountain lion?
Answer: Do not approach the animal.
Contact your local wildlife agency.
