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What To Do Wednesday: Issue #1

February 26, 2014/in Blog, What To Do Wednesday

What to do if you encounter a cougar while skiing or snowshoeing in the backcountry.

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It’s February, and the snow is flying in the western mountains. For many of us, that means putting on skis or snowshoes and exploring the backcountry. Many of us head outdoors to find wildlife, but what should you do if the animal you spot while enjoying pristine powder is a cougar?

  • Don’t run. This can trigger a natural predator/prey response in the cat.
  • Don’t approach! While it may seem like a perfect photo opportunity, getting closer will likely make the animal feel threatened or cornered, and could result in aggressive, defensive behavior.
  • Keep pets and small children nearby. Cougars may single them out.

What if the sighting is more akin to brushing shoulders with a cougar, and you are simply too close to the animal?

  • Stay calm.
  • Stand your ground. Do not turn around, bend down, or make sudden movements.
  • Make yourself big and scary. Raise your arms, open up your jacket (think batman extending his bat-wings), get valtrex prescription online speak with a firm voice, and if necessary, make a barrier between yourself and the animal (i.e., with skis, bike, etc).
  • If the situation allows, slowly back away.
  • Fight back in the rare event that a cougar attacks you.
  • If you have a hostile encounter with a cougar or believe there is a public safety issue, contact state wildlife officials and local wildlife organizations.

REMEMBER!

  • Cougar attacks on people are EXTREMELY rare. (This video helps highlight the point).
  • Traveling in groups dramatically reduces the risk of being attacked.
  • Know beforehand if you will be recreating in cougar country and make the appropriate preparations. If you are, be alert, be aware of your surroundings, and make noise.
  • Cougars (and most other wildlife, for that matter) frequently use roads and trails. If you see a cougar cache (recently eaten/buried carcass) or evidence of recent activity near an area frequented by people, leave the area immediately.
A good example of a cougar kill/cache

A good example of a cougar kill/cache

For more information, visit:
Wyoming Game & Fish
or
The Cougar Fund

https://cougarfund.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/CougarFundBlack.png 0 0 Penny https://cougarfund.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/CougarFundBlack.png Penny2014-02-26 15:26:032014-02-26 15:26:03What To Do Wednesday: Issue #1

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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

3 weeks ago
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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.

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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
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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

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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...
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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
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