The mountain lion is the largest wild feline in North America, also known as the cougar, puma, and panther. They are powerful, stealthy predators capable of taking down large prey like deer and elk. Attacks on humans are exceedingly rare events compared to other daily risks. Understanding their nature and habitat is key to safely coexisting with this animal.
Where Mountain Lions Live and How They Behave
Mountain lions boast the most extensive range of any terrestrial mammal in the Western Hemisphere, stretching from the Canadian Yukon down to the Strait of Magellan. They thrive in diverse environments, from deserts and forests to mountainous terrain, provided there is adequate cover and prey. They are solitary and territorial, with adult males maintaining vast home ranges that can span hundreds of square miles.
These large cats are obligate carnivores, meaning their diet consists entirely of meat, with deer being their primary food source. Their hunting behavior is characterized by stealth and ambush, as they patiently stalk prey before delivering a powerful, swift attack. Lions are primarily crepuscular, most active during the twilight hours of dawn and dusk, though they will travel and hunt in daylight.
The Reality of Mountain Lion Attacks
Fatal mountain lion attacks on humans are historically uncommon, with fewer than 30 confirmed fatalities across North America since 1868. A person is statistically more likely to be killed by a lightning strike or a motor vehicle accident involving a deer. Most attacks are attributed to specific circumstances rather than a general predatory desire for human prey.
Attacks often involve juvenile or inexperienced lions struggling to establish territory and find reliable food sources. Human encroachment can lead to a loss of the lion’s natural fear, especially if they become habituated to human presence or feed on unsecured livestock and pets. A lone runner, biker, or small child may also be mistaken for a natural prey animal, particularly if they are crouching or moving quickly.
Reducing the Risk of Encounters
Preventing an encounter begins with awareness of the mountain lion’s behavior and environment. Hike or jog in groups, as the combined presence, noise, and size of multiple people makes a lion far less likely to approach. Making consistent noise, such as talking, singing, or using an air horn, alerts lions to your presence and gives them time to retreat.
Since mountain lions are most active at dawn and dusk, avoiding outdoor activities during these hours reduces the potential for an encounter. When hiking with children or pets, keep them close and within arm’s reach. Secure pets and livestock at night, ensuring that attractants like garbage, pet food, and exposed water sources are not left outside.
What to Do During an Encounter
If you are faced with a mountain lion, remain calm and never run, as running triggers the lion’s instinct to chase. Instead, stand your ground, maintain eye contact, and face the animal.
The goal is to convince the lion that you are not prey by making yourself appear as large and intimidating as possible. Raise your arms, open your jacket, and slowly wave your hands above your head to increase your profile. Speak firmly and loudly to the lion in a clear, authoritative voice to disrupt predatory behavior. If the lion does not retreat, throw objects toward it without turning your back or crouching down. If an attack occurs, fight back aggressively using anything available, such as rocks, sticks, or your bare hands, focusing on the lion’s face and eyes.