Mountain lions, also known as cougars, pumas, or panthers, are apex predators. These large, elusive cats prefer to avoid human contact, making sightings uncommon. Attacks on humans are rare, as mountain lions do not view people as prey. Understanding these animals helps safe coexistence in shared landscapes.
Mountain Lion Natural Behavior
Mountain lions are obligate carnivores, primarily eating large mammals like deer, elk, and moose. They also prey on smaller animals such as coyotes, raccoons, and rodents, adapting their diet to local availability. They employ ambush tactics, often surprising prey with a swift attack from a concealed position, achieving an estimated 80% success rate.
These solitary animals maintain large territories, with males typically ranging from 250 to 600 square miles and females from 60 to 125 square miles. They are most active during dusk and dawn, aligning with their prey’s movements. Mountain lions avoid humans, viewing them as a threat and retreating upon detection.
Reasons for Human Encounters
Encounters between mountain lions and humans can arise from various factors. Human expansion into wild areas, known as habitat encroachment, reduces their natural space. This forces mountain lions into closer proximity with human settlements.
Prey scarcity can compel mountain lions to seek alternative food sources, occasionally bringing them closer to populated areas where livestock or pets may be present. Young or inexperienced mountain lions, who haven’t learned to fear humans, are sometimes involved in encounters. Sick or injured animals, less capable of hunting prey, might become more desperate and less wary. An attack involves direct physical contact resulting in injury or death.
Preventing Mountain Lion Encounters
Proactive measures can reduce the likelihood of encountering a mountain lion. Hiking in groups, rather than alone, is a recommended safety practice, as mountain lions are less likely to approach multiple people. Keep children and pets close and supervised, especially during dawn and dusk when mountain lions are most active. Children, due to their smaller size, can appear more vulnerable.
Making noise while hiking, such as talking loudly or clapping, helps alert nearby wildlife to your presence, preventing a surprise encounter. Maintain clean campsites and avoid leaving food outdoors to deter prey animals, which helps keep mountain lions away. Avoid jogging or mountain biking during low-light conditions when these cats are most active.
What to Do During an Encounter
If you encounter a mountain lion, remain calm. Avoid running, as this can trigger the cat’s chase instinct. Instead, stand your ground and face the animal directly, maintaining eye contact. Appear as large and intimidating as possible: raise your arms, open your jacket, and speak firmly in a loud voice. If you have small children, pick them up without bending over or turning away, to prevent them from running and to make your group appear larger.
If the mountain lion does not retreat or acts aggressively, throw objects like rocks or sticks in its direction, aiming for the ground in front of it as a warning. If an attack occurs, fight back aggressively with any available means, focusing on vulnerable areas like the eyes or nose. People have successfully fended off attacks using various items or even their bare hands.