Mountain lions, also known as cougars or pumas, are solitary and elusive predators across the Americas. Understanding safety protocols is necessary for those hiking or camping in their territories. Although attacks on humans are rare—only about 125 documented cases in North America over the last century—they can occur if a lion mistakes a person for prey or is cornered.
Reducing the Risk of an Encounter
The most effective safety measure is reducing the chance of an encounter. Mountain lions are primarily crepuscular, meaning they are most active during dawn and dusk, coinciding with the movement of their main prey, deer. Avoiding hiking or jogging during these low-light periods minimizes the likelihood of a surprise encounter when the lion is focused on hunting. Travel in groups, as the combined presence and noise of multiple people make the group appear intimidating and less like an easily ambushed target. Make moderate noise, such as talking or occasionally clapping, to alert a nearby lion to your presence, giving it an opportunity to move away from the trail. Since mountain lions view small pets and children as potential prey, keep dogs leashed and children within arm’s reach.
What to Do If You See a Mountain Lion
If you spot a mountain lion that has not yet demonstrated aggressive intent, the primary goal is to avoid triggering its predatory chase instinct. Do not run, as this rapid movement instantly signals that you are prey. Instead, immediately face the animal, stand your ground, and maintain direct eye contact to show the lion you are aware of its presence. Maximize your apparent size. Open your jacket, raise your arms slowly overhead, and speak to the animal in a firm, loud voice. This action helps disrupt the lion’s predatory focus. While maintaining eye contact and your increased stature, slowly begin to back away from the lion. This motion creates distance and gives the animal an escape route, which most mountain lions will take to avoid confrontation. Never crouch down, bend over, or turn your back to the animal, as these postures make you look more like a four-legged prey animal.
Deterring a Close Approach
If the mountain lion does not retreat and begins to approach, stalk, or show overt interest, transition to active, aggressive deterrence. If you are with small children, immediately pick them up without bending over, which protects them and increases your perceived size. Yell and shout aggressively, using a deep, loud voice and making as much commotion as possible to intimidate the cat. Simultaneously, wave your arms, trekking poles, or a backpack vigorously to appear larger and more unpredictable. If you can reach rocks, sticks, or other objects without crouching down, throw them toward the lion, aiming to hit the ground nearby to create noise. If you have bear spray or a similar deterrent, prepare to use it, as the capsaicin formula is effective on mountain lions and can stop an approach. Continue to stand your ground.
Surviving a Physical Attack
If the mountain lion makes physical contact, fight back as fiercely and aggressively as possible. Do not play dead; the lion must be convinced immediately that you are a formidable threat. Use any available item as a weapon—rocks, sticks, trekking poles, or even your bare hands—to strike the animal, focusing on sensitive areas like the eyes and nose. Protecting the head and neck is paramount, as the lion’s instinct is to bite these vulnerable areas for a quick kill. If you are wearing a backpack, maneuver your body to use it as a shield to protect your torso and back. Once the attack is over, the incident must be reported immediately to park rangers or local wildlife authorities to ensure the safety of other visitors.