Mountain Lions or cougars as they are sometimes called have been described as an ambush predator that has amazing abilities that include leaping as high as 15 feet and as far as 40 feet by using their powerful limbs. Today we will describe what to do in the unlikely event that you are attacked by a mountain lion.
In the Americas, mountain lions are second in size after the Jaguar. It is closely related to smaller felines including the domestic cat. It uses stealth and speed to bring down bigger animals such as deer, elk, moose, and even bighorn sheep and cattle. The cougar is very territorial and is mostly solitary in nature.
Attacks on humans are rare but are showing an upward trend as more people enter their territory.
Recently in a suburb located in southeastern Colorado Springs, a mountain lion Attacked A Pet Dachshund. People in the neighborhood say they have seen bears, foxes, and even a coyote once in a while but rarely do they see mountain lions.
The Colorado Parks and Wildlife Division said they have received 31 calls about mountain lions so far this year, mostly in the foothills closest to the mountains. They were able to lure and trap a 2 ½-year-old lion by dangling a piece of meat inside a trap which is then shut the moment the cougar pulls at the meat. They were lucky to get the mountain lion which has been relocated.
Here are some tips on How To Defend Against An Attack from a mountain lion.
- First of all, know that the mountain lions use their stealth and leaping ability in attacking. Stand your ground and avoid your reflex to run.
- Make as much noise as possible by screaming, yelling, stomping your feet and making yourself appear as big as possible by jumping up and down and waving your arms over your head.
- If a mountain lion does attack, fight with every ounce of energy you have. That is the last thing it will expect. Prevent the cougar from getting at your neck or face by rolling up into a ball onto your back and bring your legs up as though in a fetal position.
- Yell as loudly as you can for help and fight dirty-gouging the eyes if possible.
- When in the backcountry, periodically look behind you because mountain lions use ambush tactics. They can also see in the dark six times better than humans.
We have always recommended that when people go into the backcountry, no matter what time of year, they carry a bear spray with them. It is a proven deterrent to bear and mountain lion attacks. In particular, we recommend this Frontiersman Bear Spray because it has a range of 35 feet-further than most sprays, is heat sealed to prevent leakage and is nearly 50% stronger than personal defensive sprays. It has a dual propellant system which empties the canister faster than any other brand, which can be a lifesaver.
Have you ever been attacked by a bear or mountain lion? Please share your experience. We want to hear from you.