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What should you do if you encounter a mountain lion?
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If you come face to face with a mountain lion, don’t panic. Mountain lions are not aggressive animals, and they rarely attack humans. They are generally shy creatures, and they usually avoid contact with humans.
Mountain lions prefer to eat deer, elk, bighorn sheep, caribou, moose, and wild pigs. They also prey on smaller mammals such as rodents, rabbits, and ground squirrels.
You may want to stay calm and keep yourself away from the animal. If you decide to approach the cat, back off slowly while keeping eye contact. Don’t turn your back on the animal. Make noise by clapping your hands or yelling at the top of your lungs.
Make yourself look big and intimidating. Try to appear bigger than the mountain lion. Also, try to look confident and relaxed. Do not show fear.
Do not attempt to pet the animal. Mountain lions dislike being touched. If the animal seems interested in you, it might become frightened and flee.
If you are attacked by a mountain lion, fight back aggressively. Use sticks, rocks, branches, or anything else you can reach. If you are bitten, you must seek medical treatment immediately.
Mountain Lions Are Not Always Dangerous
If you’re hiking alone, stay vigilant at all times. Mountain lions are not always dangerous. They may be curious or playful, but never approach humans unless provoked.
However, if you come across a mountain lion in its natural habitat, avoid running away. Instead, stand still and slowly back away. Do not turn your back on the animal. Make yourself appear bigger than you actually are. This will allow the lion to perceive you as prey rather than predator.
Do not try to outrun a mountain lion. Running only makes them chase you faster. Instead, walk backwards until you reach a safe place where you can call for help.
If you find yourself face-to-face with a mountain lion, remain calm. Don’t run. Stay quiet and keep your hands visible. The mountain lion may view you as prey, but it won’t attack you if you show no fear.
If the mountain lion attacks, fight back aggressively. Use whatever weapons you have available (sticks, rocks, etc.) to defend yourself. Try to hit the cat in the eyes, nose, mouth, ears, or throat.
Try to distract the mountain lion by making loud noises or throwing things at it. However, avoid attacking the lion’s head because this area contains vital organs.
Remember, mountain lions are wild animals. They are unpredictable and often aggressive. If you encounter a mountain lion, act responsibly and safely.
Watch Out For Signs Of Aggression
If you’re lucky enough to be hiking alone, chances are you won’t encounter any wild animals. But if you’re hiking with others, there’s a chance you may run into trouble.
Wildlife experts say that mountain lions (also known as cougars) are usually peaceful creatures who avoid confrontation unless cornered. However, when threatened, mountain lions often become aggressive and defensive. They may hiss, growl, roar, or bite.
When encountering a mountain lion, remember these tips:
1. Don’t panic. Mountain lions rarely attack humans.
2. Stay calm and quiet. Make yourself appear small and unthreatening.
3. Back away slowly. Do not turn your back on the animal.
4. Try to remain upright. The cat may perceive you as prey because you are standing rather than crouching down.
5. Keep your hands visible. This helps the cat determine whether you are a threat.
6. Be aware of your surroundings. Look at the ground and trees ahead of you. Avoid looking directly at the cat.
7. Never approach a mountain lion. Even if you feel safe, keep moving until you reach safety.
8. Report sightings to authorities.
9. If attacked, fight back aggressively. Use rocks, sticks, or whatever is available.
10. Call 911 if necessary.
11. Remember that mountain lions are protected by law.
12. 13. Share this post with friends!
Don’t Try To Approach A Lion That Is Alone
Lions are solitary animals. They’re not social creatures who hang out at bars together. So when you find yourself face to face with one, there’s no point trying to approach him. Instead, just back away slowly until he leaves.
If you’re lucky enough to be able to safely drive off, then great. But if you’re not, then you need to call 911 and wait for help. Don’t try to run away because lions are faster than you. And don’t panic. Lions are very calm animals. They won’t attack unless provoked.
But if you’re still worried, here’s some information to keep in mind:
• LIONS ARE VERY CALM ANIMALS. THEY’RE NOT GOING TO ATTACK YOU UNLESS PROVOKED.
• LIONS HAVE LONG STRIPES ON THEIR BODY AND TAIL. THIS IS THE ONLY WAY FOR THEM TO BE IDENTIFIED AS A MALE OR FEMALE.
• LION NAMES CAN VARY FROM COUNTRY TO COUNTRY. IN SOME PLACES, THEY CALL IT A LEOPARD. OTHER PLACES CALL IT A PYTHON.
• LIONS LIVE ALONE OR WITH OTHER LIONS. THEREFORE, IF YOU SEE ONE ALONE, DON’T TRY TO APPROACH HIM. JUST BACK AWAY SLOWLY.
• DO NOT RUN AWAY. LIONS WILL FOLLOW YOU.
• DO NOT PANIC. LIONS ARE VERY CALMLESS ANIMALS. THEY WOULDN’T ATTACK YOU UNLESS THEY THOUGHT YOU WERE A PREY.
• DO NOT TALK ABOUT YOUR VISITOR. LIONS MAY THINK THAT YOU’RE A PREY.
Know When To Run Away From An Unwanted Encounter
If you’re hiking through the woods and suddenly hear rustling behind you, chances are you’ve encountered a mountain lion.
Mountain lions are large cats native to North America. They’re known for being aggressive and territorial, and they usually attack when threatened. But there are ways to avoid unwanted encounters with them.
First, stay calm. Don’t panic. Mountain lions often approach slowly and quietly, so try not to startle them.
Second, keep your distance. Stay at least 100 feet away from any wild animal, including mountain lions.
Third, back off if you feel threatened. Stand still and let the cat pass. If it doesn’t leave after 30 seconds, move away slowly.
Finally, call for help. If you need assistance, yell loudly until someone comes to rescue you.
Lastly
Mountain lions are wild animals, so they don’t always act like domesticated pets. You need to know what to expect when encountering them, and take precautions before entering their territory.