How To Behave In Mountain Lion Country

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CARRY BEAR SPRAY: Know how to use it and keep it within easy reach.

 

DO NOT HIKE ALONE : Go in groups, with adults supervising children.

 

WATCH FOR DEER AND ELK : When prey are active mountain lions may be active as well.

 

KEEP CHILDREN CLOSE TO YOU : Observations of captured wild mountain lions reveal that the animals seem especially drawn to children because of their smaller size. Keep children within your sight at all times.

 

DO NOT APPROACH A LION : Most mountain lions will try to avoid a confrontation. Give them a way to escape.

 

DO NOT RUN FROM A LION : Running may stimulate a mountain lion’s instinct to chase. Instead, stand and face the animal. Make eye contact. If there are small children nearby, pick them up if possible so they don’t panic and run. Although it may be awkward, pick children up without bending over or turning away from the mountain lion.

 

DO NOT CROUCH DOWN OR BEND OVER : A person squatting or bending over looks a lot like a four-legged prey animal. When in an area where a mountain lion is known to be, avoid squatting, crouching or bending over, even when picking up children.

 

APPEAR LARGER : Raise your arms. Open your jacket if you are wearing one. Again, pick up small children. Throw stones, branches, or whatever you can reach without crouching or turning your back. Wave your arms slowly and speak firmly in a loud voice. The idea is to convince the mountain lion that you are not prey and that you may be a danger to it.

 

FIGHT BACK IF ATTACKED : Many potential victims have fought back successfully with bear spray, rocks, sticks, caps, jackets, garden tools and their bare hands. Since a mountain lion usually tries to bite the head or neck, try to remain standing and face the attacking animal.