The Cougar Fund
  • Our Work
    • Education
      • The Cougar Fund has educational resources for a wide variety of ages and groups.

      • Wild Lives
      • Overview
      • Programs & Resources
      • Books & Videos
    • Science & Conservation
      • The Cougar Fund was founded to help ensure the conservation and protection of cougars.

      • Overview
      • The Cougar Fund & B-Wild Mexico
      • Protecting Females & Kittens
      • Conservation Research
      • Cougar Researcher Bios
    • Advocacy
      • Learn what is happening in your state and how you can help protect these incredible animals.

      • Overview
      • State by State
      • How to Help
      • Donate
  • About the Cougar
    • Overview
    • Family Life
    • Living with Cougars
    • Conflict Prevention & Coexistence
    • Cougar News
    • Historical Timeline
    • Books & Videos
  • About Us
    • Our Mission & History
    • Our Team
    • Programs
    • Policy Comments
    • Partners
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Contact
  • Get Involved
    • Donate
    • Volunteer
    • Gift & Estate Planning
  • News + Media
  • Search
  • Menu Menu

Don’t Look Like Food!

February 10, 2022/in Federal Policy, News

https://www.backpacker.com/news-and-events/news/a-mountain-lion-followed-a-hiker-so-he-charged-it/

Apex predators are thus named, because as adults they rarely face a natural competitor-except man. As with all living things their purpose is to survive and procreate. Food and the search for it is the most basic driver and there is a trigger that occurs with many predators that is called the ‘prey response’. Movement by other animals on the landscape, often close to the ground, makes them look like a potential meal-it increases focus, readiness, and, as you can see, here, action, on the part of this particular mountain lion. Running or walking alone in wild habitat with cover, especially at dawn and dusk, requires preparation and vigilance. Make sure you know the area, maintain situational awareness at all times and if you encounter a mountain lion

The National Park Service shares the following safety tips regarding mountain lion encounters:

If you encounter a lion, remember the goals are to convince it that you are not prey and that you may be dangerous. Follow these safety tips:

Do not approach a lion. Most mountain lions will try to avoid a confrontation. Give them a way to escape.

Do not run from a lion. Running may stimulate a mountain lion’s instinct to chase. Instead, stand and face the animal. Make eye contact. If you have small children with you, pick them up if possible so that they don’t panic and run. Although it may be awkward, pick them up without bending over or turning away from the mountain lion.

Do not crouch down or bend over. A human standing up is just not the right shape for a lion’s prey. Conversely, a person squatting or bending over resembles a four-legged prey animal. In mountain lion country, avoid squatting, crouching or bending over, even when picking up children.

Do all you can to appear larger. Raise your arms. Open your jacket if you are wearing one. Again, pick up small children. Throw stones, branches, or whatever you can reach without crouching or turning your back. Wave your arms slowly and speak firmly in a loud voice. The idea is to convince the mountain lion that you are not prey and that you may be a danger to it.

Fight back if attacked. A hiker in southern California used a rock to fend off a mountain lion that was attacking his son. Others have fought back successfully with sticks, caps, jackets, garden tools and their bare hands. Since a mountain lion usually tries to bite the head or neck, try to remain standing and face the attacking animal.

One thing we can share with you is that mountain lion attacks are incredibly rare and with the right knowledge, preparation and forethought, we can seek to enjoy our time outdoors and stay safe.

https://cougarfund.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/CougarFundBlack.png 0 0 Penny https://cougarfund.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/CougarFundBlack.png Penny2022-02-10 13:45:472022-10-03 21:37:43Don’t Look Like Food!

Stay Connected

Comments Box SVG iconsUsed for the like, share, comment, and reaction icons
We wouldnt cross a bridge in danger of collapse or go into a building that wasnt stable, so why do we accept the removal of keystone species for human gratification and a landscape without all the parts that keep the system functioning? Celebrating the PUMA today and everyday for what this magnificent animal gives us and our environment. https://cougarfund.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Keystone-Species.pdf

We wouldn't cross a bridge in danger of collapse or go into a building that wasn't stable, so why do we accept the removal of keystone species for human gratification and a landscape without all the parts that keep the system functioning? Celebrating the PUMA today and everyday for what this magnificent animal gives us and our environment. cougarfund.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Keystone-Species.pdf ... See MoreSee Less

4 weeks ago
View on Facebook
· Share
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email
View Comments
  • Likes: 204
  • Shares: 48
  • Comments: 9

Comment on Facebook

Right!

Beautifully stated.

Needed to control the whitetail population in Indiana.

So beautiful.. Love them all.

Nothing like a little face to face in the fog at night, after your ride forgot to pick you up, (the one time I left my hiking bells at home). Unless it is waking to fresh snow and big cat tracks right up to where your head had been laying while you slept. Here Yowler! Here boy! 🤣

Hunting wild animals should be outlawed and replaced with outdoor photography

Humans worst parasites

Humans are inhumane. Ironic.

View more comments

This content isn't available right now ... See MoreSee Less

This content isn't available right now

When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.
1 month ago
View on Facebook
· Share
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email
View Comments
  • Likes: 46
  • Shares: 0
  • Comments: 3

Comment on Facebook

Just look in the White House

There should be no hunting or trapping

The #GreatWhiteHunter is a predator..

Wow! it's that time again, The Cougar Fund is once again participating in Old Bill’s Fun Run, a community wide fundraiser through the Community Foundation of Jackson Hole. During Old Bill’s gifts to participating nonprofits are partially matched, meaning your gift to the Cougar Fund has even greater impact. You can give online at oldbills.org and designate The Cougar Fund as the recipient of your gift. www.oldbills.org/give ... See MoreSee Less

Link thumbnail

How to Give

www.oldbills.org

Learn how to give through Old Bill's of Jackson, WY - there are many ways to donate to Teton County nonprofits. By donating through Old Bill’s during the giving season, the impact of each designated...
1 month ago
View on Facebook
· Share
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email
View Comments
  • Likes: 7
  • Shares: 0
  • Comments: 0

Comment on Facebook

PlayHow do you cougar-proof a domestic animal enclosure?

A very useful presentation to help small livestock growers AND mountain lions! ... See MoreSee Less

2 months ago
View on Facebook
· Share
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email
View Comments
  • Likes: 16
  • Shares: 2
  • Comments: 0

Comment on Facebook

EXPLORE

Our Mission & History
Frequently Asked Questions

ABOUT THE COUGAR

Overview
Cougar News
Living with Cougars

CONNECT

Sign-Up for E-News
Contact Us
Volunteer
Employment

GIVE

Donate Now
Shop – Coming Soon

The Cougar Fund is 501(c)3 non-profit
EIN: 31-1796418
P.O. Box 122
Jackson, WY 83001

Signup for our Newsletter!

Photography & Video by Thomas D. Mangelsen and Wild Nature Media.
© The Cougar Fund. All rights reserved.

Sonoma Valley LionsFollowing the money
Scroll to top