The term “panther” does not refer to a single species but is a general name applied to several large cats across the globe. In North America, the term is most commonly associated with the cougar, also known as the mountain lion or puma, and specifically the endangered Florida panther, which is a subspecies of cougar. Globally, the name often describes the melanistic, or black-coated, color variations of the leopard in Asia and Africa, and the jaguar in the Americas. While these powerful animals are apex predators, the cougar is the animal most likely to be encountered by the average North American resident.
The Reality of Attacks on Humans
Attacks by cougars on humans are rare events, especially when compared to other risks encountered in the natural world. Since 1868, only about 29 fatal attacks have been reliably documented across all of North America, putting the annual fatality rate at a fraction of that caused by lightning strikes or bee stings. Non-fatal encounters resulting in injury are also uncommon, though they have increased in frequency since the mid-20th century as human recreation expands into cougar habitat. Cougar attacks on humans are typically predatory in nature, meaning the animal views the person as potential prey. Children are disproportionately represented among victims, often due to their smaller size and unpredictable movements, which makes them resemble the cougar’s natural prey.
Understanding Attack Motivations
Cougars are elusive animals that prefer to avoid human contact, and an attack is usually an aberration of their normal behavior. Predatory attacks are often attributed to young, inexperienced cougars who have not yet mastered hunting larger prey, or to older, injured, or starving animals desperate for an easy meal. These cats are ambush predators that rely on surprise, and they typically target the head and neck. Loss of natural habitat and depletion of primary food sources, such as deer, force cougars to venture into areas with human development to find alternative prey, including domestic pets and livestock. Habituating to human presence, often due to accessible food sources like unsecured garbage or pet food, can also cause a cougar to lose its natural fear of people. Defensive attacks, where a cougar is protecting a hidden kill or its kittens, are uncommon, but all large carnivores will defend themselves if cornered.
Mitigation and Prevention Strategies
People living or recreating in cougar country can take steps to minimize the risk of an encounter. When hiking, travel in groups and make noise by talking loudly to alert any cougars in the area to your presence, as they prefer to avoid confrontation. Avoid hiking during the cougar’s active hunting hours, which are typically from dusk until dawn.
Securing the Home Environment
Securing your home environment is a preventative measure, especially if you live near wild areas. To avoid attracting deer, raccoons, and other small animals that are cougar prey:
- Never leave pet food or water dishes outside.
- Secure all garbage in tough, sealed containers.
- Protect pets by keeping them indoors or in secure, covered kennels, particularly at night.
- Ensure livestock are housed in fully enclosed barns or sheds.
If an Encounter Occurs
If you encounter a cougar, the most important rule is never to run, as this can trigger the cat’s natural chase instinct. Instead, stand your ground and make yourself appear as large as possible by raising your arms, opening your jacket, or holding a backpack over your head. Speak firmly and loudly to the animal, and if you have children, immediately pick them up without bending over or turning away. If the cougar advances or attacks, fight back aggressively with any object available, keeping your focus on protecting your head and neck. This aggressive defense often convinces the animal that the human is not a suitable target.