What should I do if I see a mountain lion on a California hike? Follow these tips
Mountain lions have been spotted throughout California — sometimes causing harm to those in their way.
On March 23, one person was killed and another person was hurt when a mountain lion attack happened in the Eldorado National Forest near Georgetown.
In November, a cyclist from San Luis Obispo encountered a cougar at the Irish Hills Natural Reserve, but was able to deter it from attacking him. Earlier in November in the Hollywood Hills, a mountain lion known as P-22 was found responsible for killing a chihuahua while it was being walked on a leash.
These incidents come after another mountain lion attacked a woman and her dog, Eva, while they were on an afternoon walk at the Trinity River in Northern California. Eva, a Belgian Malanois, was able to protect her owner by pouncing on the cat. The dog died a month later.
You may never encounter a mountain lion in the wild — let alone be attacked by one. A person is one thousand times more likely to be struck by lightning than attacked by a mountain lion, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Since 1986, there have been 21 verified attacks — three fatal — in the state. The most recent was non-fatal in September in Pico Canyon Park.
Here’s what to know if you do find yourself near a mountain lion.
If you see a cougar: Stay calm and don’t approach
Either stay where you are or back away slowly if you see a mountain lion, the National Park Service advised on its website. Keep facing the lion and stand up straight.
Since most cats will try to avoid confrontation, the park service states, it’s best not to approach it and give it space to move away.
Don’t run from it
Running from a mountain lion will encourage it to chase you.
Stand up straight to not look like prey, the park service stated, and keep eye contact with the cougar. If you have children near you, pick them up so they don’t run away and trigger the mountain lion.
Act intimidating
Make yourself look bigger by hoisting and waving your arms over your head, opening your jacket and speaking loudly.
If the mountain lion is acting aggressively or is moving in your direction, the park service recommends throwing sticks, rocks or other objects its way. This can help intimidate and scare off the mountain lion. Don’t aim for the head. This could blind the lion and make it more dangerous to other hikers.
Take preventative measures
Before you hit your hiking trails or evening walk, be aware to prevent mountain lion encounters.
The Mountain Lion Foundation, a national non-profit that works to protect mountain lions and their habitat, advises that people bring company on their walks, wear bright clothing, ask park officials about recent wildlife sightings and watch out for signs.
This story was originally published November 23, 2022 at 8:41 AM with the headline "What should I do if I see a mountain lion on a California hike? Follow these tips."