Cougars, also known as mountain lions, pumas, or panthers, are large felines inhabiting a vast range across the Americas, from the Canadian Yukon to the southern tip of Chile. These adaptable predators thrive in diverse environments, including forests, deserts, and mountainsides, often preferring areas with dense underbrush for stalking prey. While their presence in wild spaces can evoke public concern, actual attacks on humans are rare events.
Understanding Attack Frequency
Cougar attacks on humans are extremely uncommon. In North America, there have been only about 29 confirmed fatal cougar attacks since 1868, averaging approximately 0.18 fatalities per year. For perspective, incidents involving lightning strikes, bee stings, or even cows result in significantly more human fatalities annually.
Cougars typically avoid human contact and do not naturally view humans as prey. Their primary diet consists of large mammals such as deer, elk, and moose, though they will opportunistically hunt smaller animals. They are secretive and elusive animals, preferring to remain unseen and generally wary of humans.
Common Scenarios for Encounters
Despite their general avoidance, cougar attacks tend to occur under specific circumstances. Some attacks are predatory, where a cougar may mistake a human for its natural prey. This can happen if a person is small, moves quickly, or crouches down, resembling a four-legged animal. Children are more vulnerable in such scenarios due to their size and movement patterns.
Other attacks are defensive, occurring when a cougar feels threatened. This often happens if a person approaches a cougar protecting cubs or a recent kill, or if the animal is cornered. Certain human behaviors can inadvertently increase the risk of an encounter. Running or bicycling can trigger a cougar’s chase instinct, as these rapid movements mimic fleeing prey. Hiking alone, especially during dawn or dusk when cougars are most active, can also elevate risk.
Safety Measures and Response
Minimizing the risk of a cougar encounter involves several preventative measures. Hiking in groups and making noise can alert cougars to your presence. Keeping children and pets close and supervised, especially during dawn and dusk, is important. Avoiding areas with dense vegetation or fresh animal kills can also reduce the chance of a surprise encounter.
If you encounter a cougar, remaining calm is important. Do not run, as this can trigger a chase response. Instead, stand your ground, make eye contact, and make yourself appear as large as possible by raising your arms or opening your jacket. Speak firmly and loudly to deter the animal. Slowly back away, allowing the cougar an escape route. If a cougar attacks, fight back aggressively with anything available, focusing on the face and eyes. Do not play dead.