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It's the fortunate hiker who sights a mountain lion in the wild. Variously known as cougars, pumas, and catamounts, the big cats are elusive, solitary and largely crepuscular; that is, they are most active at dusk and dawn. Their numbers are also greatly diminished across much of their historical range. Cougars, once present in 48 U.S. states, are now limited to just 13. The Florida Panther is protected under the Endangered Species Act but is now perilously close to extinction. Other populations could follow. Cougars are still hunted across the west, with the exception of California. According to an official from Colorado's Division of Wildlife, the number of mountain lions killed by hunters in that state has doubled over the last 20 years. And across the country, it is estimated that some 2,000 of the big cats are killed annually. Given such statistics it may be surprising to learn that the number of human/mountain lion encounters is on the rise. But with sprawling development encroaching on the cougar's habitat, deer populations on the rise (in part due to longstanding predator eradication efforts), and more and more people venturing into the backcountry, the trend is somewhat predictable. Be Aware, not Scared While occurrences are still extremely rare, it's important to note that some cougar encounters have been deadly. By one account, there were 36 cougar attacks in North America between 1991 and 1999, most of which involved children, seven of which were fatal. To keep that in perspective, you have a better chance of being struck by lightning than you do of being attacked by a mountain lion. Even deer pose a greater threat to human life. According to the New York Times, more than 100 motorists per year are killed in deer collisions. All that said, when traveling in cougar country, it's important to know how to react should you come face to face with felis concolor. Experts suggest the following rules: 1. Keep children close. On the trail, do not let youngsters stray too far ahead or lag behind. If you see fresh cougar sign in the area, pick children up and carry them. 2. Be mindful of pets. Cougars are highly evolved predators at the top of the food chain. Pets, therefore, are easy prey. If you camp with pets keep them close. A pet that strays from your tentsite may lead cougars back to you. 3. Stay clear. Mountain lions are not naturally aggressive toward humans, but a cornered animal may attack in fear. Give it a path to escape. And never, ever approach a feeding cougar. 4. Do not run. Flight may trigger a predatory response. Stay calm, maintain eye contact and, if possible, slowly back away. 5. Try to appear larger. Do not crouch or stoop even to pick up children. Rather, spread your arms or open your coat to exaggerate your size. 6. Fight back if attacked. If the animal approaches you or seems aggressive, wave your arms, yell, throw rocks - anything to scare it off. If it attacks, do not play dead, but fight back savagely. Many people have successfully fought off attacking mountain lions. Remember, most hikers are unlikely even to get a glimpse of this spectacular animal. If you do, count yourself as lucky. 
For more information on these magnificent creatures and how you can help protect them, visit the Mountain Lion Foundation, the Cougar Fund and Sierra Club's Wildlands Campaign.  Up to Top |
