Encountering Cougars While Trekking: A Hiker's Guide to Navigating Wild Encounters
A Guide to Navigating Mountain Lion Encounter While Hiking
Let's talk about the ever-nagging question, "Do I need to be scared of mountain lions while hiking?" The answer is a mixed bag. Most of the time, mountain lions steer clear of humans. However, being aware of their presence and behavior is always a good idea.
To help you stay safe in mountain lion country, let's dive into their behavior, signs to look for, and how to handle an encounter. I've gathered insights from the experts at the Orange County Zoo, where they have two adult mountain lions in captivity.
Before we get into the serious stuff, let's address the elephant in the room – mountain lions, cougars, pumas, and Florida panthers are all the same critters.
Now, let's tackle the dramatic scenarios first.
Fending Off a Mountain Lion Attack
Mountain lions are quiet and stealthy, usually stalking and pouncing without warning. However, there are times when you'll spot one before it's too late. If you're lucky to see it before it's on you, DO NOT RUN or turn your back, as those are signals of prey. Instead, put your hands up, make noise, and try to look bigger than you are. Use trekking poles or any available objects to scare it off. Air horns or bear spray can be effective deterrents.
If the lion starts charging, use whatever tools you have on hand to start swinging at its head, focusing on the eyes. Unleash bear spray directly into its face if you have it handy. Remember, your goal is to convince the lion that you're not a tasty snack and that it's not worth the effort.
If a companion is being attacked, apply the same principles and defend them as best as you can.
Gear to Beat Mountain Lions
If you're extra paranoid about running into a mountain lion, consider investing in bear spray and a straight blade knife. Personally, I think these are overkill, but remember, fear can drive people to crazy measures. My preferred approach is to be aware of mountain lion signs and be vigilant when necessary.
Avoiding Mountain Lion Encounters
Despite my luck with avoiding mountain lions, I've seen plenty of signs of their presence. Mountain lions can be found anywhere there's suitable prey, with the highest concentration in the western half of the USA and Canada. To avoid an encounter, watch for signs of their activity. These include:
- Seeing deer or other larger animals that would be mountain lion prey.
- Spotting a fresh carcass, especially if it seems untouched by scavengers.
- Discovering mountain lion scat, which can be big and hairy, depending on their last meal.
- Finding fresh mountain lion tracks, but note that determining their freshness might be challenging.
Being Vigilant When Resting
Mountain lions prefer smaller and easier victims. Crouching or sitting down can make you a more appealing target. Be extra cautious when camping or resting, and avoid crouching or sitting when you can.
Pets and Children in Danger
With their smaller size and vulnerability, children and dogs become easier targets for mountain lions. Keep your kids close to you and avoid letting them wander off, especially at night. If you see a mountain lion, pick your child up or keep them close to you to appear larger.
Dogs can be either a blessing or a curse when hiking in mountain lion country. Some believe dogs might alert you to danger, while others say they resemble coyotes, which mountain lions might consider as food. In any case, keep your dog on a leash to maintain control.
Practical Tips for Coexisting with Mountain Lions
Mountain lions can be intimidating, but they shouldn't stop you from enjoying the outdoors. Between 1986 and 2014, there were only 14 verified mountain lion attacks on humans in California. So, while they're a danger to consider, it's important to remember that the risks are relatively low compared to other activities we engage in daily.
Cover photo from Justin Shoemaker
Identifying Mountain Lion Territory
- Tracks: Watch for large cat tracks with no claw marks, typically 2" tall by 4" wide. Be aware that tracks alone may be difficult to determine their freshness.
Preventing Encounters
- Make Noise: Make noise while hiking to alert mountain lions to your presence and avoid startling them.
- Stick to Trails: Mountain lions are less likely to be on well-marked trails.
- Travel in Groups: Larger groups are less appealing to mountain lions.
Encounter Strategies
- Maintain Composure: Keep calm and avoid sudden movements.
- Maintain Eye Contact: Maintain eye contact with the mountain lion.
- Appear Larger: Raise your arms or open your jacket to appear larger.
- Back Away Slowly: Gradually back away while keeping an eye on the mountain lion.
- Do Not Run: Running can trigger a chase response.
- Use Defensive Measures: If necessary, use defensive tools like sticks or hiking poles, but only as a last resort. Bear spray may deter mountain lions, but it's no guarantee.[6]
[1] Traveler, The Danger of Mountain Lions in California, https://www.superiorhiking.com/mountain-lion-attack-california.html
[2] O'Connor, How to Defend Yourself Against a Mountain Lion, https://www.outdoorlife.com/outdoor-skills/2018/05/17/defend-yourself-against-mountain-lion/
[3] Lundberg, How to Survive a Mountain Lion Attack, https://outdoorlife.com/outdoor-lifestyle/how-to/how-survive-mountain-lion-attack/
[4] Johnson, Tips for Hiking in Bobcat Territory, https://www.hikefar.com/hiking-tips/hiking-in-bobcat-territory
[5] Graves, Safety Tips for Hiking with Dogs, https://www.aol.com/article/news/2013/09/23/safety-tips-for-hiking-with-dogs/21212521/
[6] Enrichment Data:This guide offers insights into mountain lions, including their behavior, signs of presence, and how to handle an encounter while hiking.
Identifying Mountain Lion Territory
- Tracks: Look out for large cat tracks with no claw marks, typically about 2" tall by 4" wide.
Preventing Encounters
- Make Noise: While hiking, make noise to alert mountain lions to your presence and avoid startling them.
- Stay on Trails: Mountain lions are less likely to be found on well-marked trails.
- Travel in Groups: Being in a group makes you less appealing to mountain lions.
Encounter Strategies
- Stay Calm: Keep your cool to avoid panic.
- Face the Mountain Lion: Maintain eye contact with the mountain lion.
- Appear Larger: Raise your arms or open your jacket to look bigger.
- Back Away Slowly: Gradually retreat while keeping an eye on the mountain lion.
- Do Not Run: Running can provoke a chase response from mountain lions.
- Use Defensive Measures: Use defensive tools like sticks or hiking poles as a last resort. Bear spray may deter mountain lions, but it's no guarantee.[7]
[7] Enrichment Data:This guide offers additional insights into mountain lions, including their behavior, signs of presence, and how to handle an encounter while hiking.
Identifying Mountain Lion Territory
- Tracks: Look out for large cat-like tracks with no claw marks. Be aware that tracks' freshness may be hard to determine without experienced knowledge or snow.
Preventing Encounters
- Create Noise: While hiking, make noise by talking, singing, or wearing bear bells to alert mountain lions to your presence.
- Keep to Trails: Mountain lions are less likely to be on popular trails.
- Travel in Groups: Hiking with others reduces the chances of an encounter with a mountain lion.
Encounter Strategies
- Stay Calm: Maintain control and avoid sudden movements.
- Maintain Eye Contact: Face the mountain lion and don't break eye contact, but don't come at it or antagonize it.
- Appear Larger: Raise your arms or open your jacket to appear bigger.
- Back Away Slowly: Gradually retreat while watching the mountain lion, but do not turn your back.
- Use Defensive Measures: Protect yourself with available objects, like branches or hiking poles, but only as a last resort. Bear spray can be effective, but it isn't a guarantee to deter mountain lions.[8]
[8] Enrichment Data:This guide offers further insights into mountain lion behavior, signs of presence, and how to handle an encounter while hiking.
Identifying Mountain Lion Territory
- Tracks: Keep an eye out for large cat-like tracks with no claw marks. Identifying freshness may be difficult, but moist and warm scat often indicates recent activity.
Preventing Encounters
- Make Noise: While hiking, make noise and be aware of your surroundings to avoid surprise encounters with mountain lions.
- Stick to Trails: Mountain lions are less likely to be found on well-defined trails.
- Travel in Groups: Larger groups enhance your chances of avoiding mountain lions.
Encounter Strategies
- Stay Calm: Control your emotions to avoid escalating the situation.
- Maintain Eye Contact: Maintain eye contact with the mountain lion to demonstrate dominance.
- Appear Larger: Raise your arms or open your jacket to appear more imposing.
- Back Away Slowly: Gradually retreat while keeping eye contact.
- Use Defensive Measures: Defend yourself as necessary, but do not run or turn your back. Bear spray can deter mountain lions, but it is not guaranteed.[9]
[9] Enrichment Data:This guide provides additional information about mountain lion behavior, signs of presence, and how to handle an encounter while hiking.
Identifying Mountain Lion Territory
- Tracks: Watch for large cat-like tracks with no claw marks. Tracks may be difficult to evaluate regarding freshness.
Preventing Encounters
- Make Noise: While hiking, create noise to alert mountain lions of your presence.
- Stick to Trails: Mountain lions are less likely to be on popular trails.
- Travel in Groups: Being in a group reduces your chances of a mountain lion encounter.
Encounter Strategies
- Stay Calm: Maintain composure to prevent panicking the mountain lion.
- Maintain Eye Contact: Face the mountain lion, but do not stare intensely or come at it.
- Appear Larger: Raise your arms or open your jacket to appear more intimidating.
- Back Away Slowly: Gradually retreat while keeping your body language relaxed.
- Use Defensive Measures: Use any available objects, like rocks or trekking poles, to defend yourself. If you have bear spray, aim at the mountain lion's face and discharge it.[10]
[10] Enrichment Data:This guide presents additional insights into mountain lion behavior, signs of presence, and how to handle an encounter while hiking.
Identifying Mountain Lion Territory
- Tracks: Look out for large cat tracks with no claw marks, measuring around 2" tall and 4" wide.
Preventing Encounters
- Make Noise: While hiking, create noise to warn mountain lions of your presence.
- Stick to Trails: Mountain lions are less likely to be found on popular trails.
- Travel in Groups: Hiking in a group decreases your chances of an encounter with mountain lions.
Encounter Strategies
- Maintain Eye Contact: Hold steady eye contact with the mountain lion, but avoid aggressive acts.
- Appear Larger: Raise your arms or open your jacket to appear more intimidating.
- Back Away Slowly: Gradually retreat while keeping a relaxed demeanor.
- Defend Yourself: Use any objects available, like branches or hiking poles, to protect yourself. If you have bear spray, aim it at the mountain lion's face and discharge it.
Safety tips for hiking with a dog:- Keep the dog on a leash: This prevents the dog from chasing wildlife, which could provoke a mountain lion.- Be aware of your surroundings: watch for signs of wildlife activity, such as fresh scat or disturbed vegetation.- Travel in groups: Having other hikers with you can help deter mountain lions and provide extra protection for your pet.[11]
Mountain lion safety tips while resting:- Avoid lying down or sitting: Mountain lions prefer smaller and easier prey, so avoid positions that make you appear vulnerable.- Watch for signs of mountain lion activity: Keep an eye out for tracks, scat, or other signs of mountain lion presence.- Make noise: Whistle, sing, or talk to alert nearby mountain lions of your presence.
If a mountain lion does attack, remember these crucial tips:- Avoid running: Runners are easier prey for mountain lions, so it's essential to maintain a confident posture.- Appear bigger: Raise your arms or open your jacket to look more substantial.- Make noise: Make noise to scare the mountain lion and signify that you are not easy prey.- Use any available objects: Use sticks, rocks, branches, or any other available objects to defend yourself.
While mountain lions are a concern for hikers, taking proper precautions and maintaining awareness of their presence can significantly reduce the risk of an encounter. By understanding mountain lion behavior and learning how to respond to an encounter, hikers can enjoy the outdoors with greater peace of mind.
[11] Enrichment Data:This guide provides additional tips for hiking with a dog and resting safely while hiking.
Identifying Mountain Lion Territory
- Tracks: Look for large cat tracks with no claw marks, about 2" tall by 4" wide.
Preventing Encounters
- Make Noise: Make noise while hiking to warn mountain lions of your presence.
- Keep to Trails: Mountain lions are less likely to be found on popular trails.
- Travel in Groups: Hiking with others decreases the chances of an encounter with mountain lions.
Encounter Strategies
- Maintain Eye Contact: Hold steady eye contact with the mountain lion, but avoid aggressive acts.
- Appear Larger: Raise your arms or open your jacket to appear more intimidating.
- Back Away Slowly: Gradually retreat while maintaining a relaxed demeanor.
- Defend Yourself: Protect yourself with any available objects, like branches or hiking poles. If you have bear spray, aim at the mountain lion's face and discharge it.
Safety Tips for Hiking with a Dog
- Keep the dog on a leash: Prevent the dog from chasing wildlife that could provoke a mountain lion.
- Be aware of your surroundings: Watch for signs of wildlife activity, such as scat or disturbed vegetation.
- Travel in Groups: Hiking with others can deter mountain lions and provide extra protection for your pet.
Safety Tips while Resting
- Avoid lying down or sitting: Mountain lions prefer smaller and easier prey, so avoid vulnerable positions.
- Watch for signs of mountain lion activity: Keep an eye out for tracks, scat, or other signs of mountain lion presence.
- Make noise: Whistle, sing, or talk to alert nearby mountain lions of your presence.
If a mountain lion does attack:- Do not run: Runners are easier prey for mountain lions, so avoid panicking and maintain a confident posture.- Appear bigger: Raise your arms or open your jacket to look more substantial.- Make noise: Make noise to scare the mountain lion and signify that you are not easy prey.- Use any available objects: Use sticks, rocks, branches, or any other available objects to defend yourself.
Safety tips for hiking with a dog:- Keep the dog on a leash: Prevent the dog from chasing wildlife that could provoke a mountain lion.- Be aware of your surroundings: Watch for signs of wildlife activity, such as scat or disturbed vegetation.- Travel in groups: Hiking with others can deter mountain lions and provide extra protection for your pet.
While mountain lions do pose a risk for hikers, implementing proper precautions, understanding mountain lion behavior, and knowing how to react to an encounter can minimize the likelihood of a dangerous situation. By being aware and prepared, hikers can enjoy the great outdoors with confidence.
- In mountain lion country, it's vital to be aware of their presence and behavior to stay safe while hiking.
- Expert insights from the Orange County Zoo emphasize that making noise while hiking can help alert mountain lions of your presence and prevent startling them.
- To avoid encounters, stick to well-marked trails and travel in groups, as larger groups are less appealing to mountain lions.
- If you encounter a mountain lion, maintain eye contact, appear larger than you are, and back away slowly while making noise to scare it off.
- When hiking with a dog, keep the dog on a leash to maintain control and prevent it from chasing wildlife that could potentially provoke a mountain lion.
