Safety Archives - The Cougar Fund

My name is Penny Maldonado, representing The Cougar Fund and our Utah constituents.

Thank you very much for allowing me to appeal to you today. I understand how hard it is to be bound by statute that is not simply about promulgation of regulations, but directives for the science itself that has always been seen as a foundation of the work of DNR.

My staff and I were alerted by our Utah residents to the 3 year study being discussed today. To be honest we were alarmed at the scope, the methods of removal and the ultimate goal of this PhD thesis. There have been many studies that have provided sound data based evidence that the impact by lion predation on deer survival is only one of many variables. Sadly, people in authority, in this case, your legislature, feel this is the contributing factor that can be controlled by humans. That is not sound science, this is grabbing on to something that might work and which in so many other studies has been shown not to.

In fact, removal of so many lions, as many impassioned and deeply concerned houndsman stated in the December RAC meetings, destabilize lion populations, which are already exhibiting long term decline and younger age structures. Younger lions select for deer, especially more vulnerable deer. We watched every RAC meeting and at one, a staff member stated, lions ONLY eat does. While this is not quite accurate, it is true that lions, being opportunists, especially young immigrants will take the easiest prey for energy conservation. What you are proposing may actually have the opposite effect to what you intend.

After a deadly winter in 2022/23 a large group of deer hunters joined together to buy tags but to deliberately not hunt deer to allow them to recover, with human help, showing that human control can take many forms.

Lastly and most importantly, I must address the methods. Trapping and snaring, of any lion, and most disturbingly of family groups is just unacceptable. Kittens are born any time of year, making distinct the reproductive cycles of lions from other species. Female lions work hard to ensure the survival of their kittens to become successful hunters of appropriate prey-not of livestock or domestic animals.

NAM celebrated its 100th Birthday in 2002. It has served ungulates well, but in the past 124 years, it has never once addressed predators. They have never been afforded the same respect and ethical consideration that name provides for other species. This study harks back to the ways these majestic landscape partners and ecological contributors were treated in the days we can recall in grainy photos of skulls and pelts piled high.

The work you do is hard, you are so often in the middle, with people throwing stones from both sides. I understand. The methodology of this study has drawn many diverse constituents against it, houndsman, ungulate hunters, and advocates. It is never too late to change something so charged.

Thank you for your time today.

Penelope J. Maldonado Executive Director, The Cougar Fund

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.

Tag Archive for: Safety

Comments by the Cougar Fund before the Utah Wildlife Board 01/08/2026

Don’t Look Like Food!