What To Do If A Mountain Lion Approaches Your Child?

Deter the Mountain Lion with Presence

When a mountain lion approaches your child, stand your ground and make yourself appear as large as possible. Spread your arms and legs, stand up straight, and try to fill the space between you and the mountain lion. Make loud noises by yelling, whistling, or banging objects together. This can startle the mountain lion and make it think twice about attacking. For example, you can yell at the top of your lungs for 10-15 seconds to scare the mountain lion away.

Protect Your Child with a Barrier

If the mountain lion approaches your child, use your body to create a barrier between the mountain lion and your child. Hold your child close and position yourself between them and the mountain lion. This can help protect your child from the initial attack. If possible, try to create a 10-foot barrier between the mountain lion and your child. If you’re in a group, work together to create a larger barrier.

Fighting Back as a Last Resort

If the mountain lion continues to approach and you’ve done everything you can to deter it, it’s time to fight back. Use any available objects to defend yourself and your child. Sticks, rocks, and hiking poles can be used to distract and injure the mountain lion. Aim for the eyes, face, and neck, as these areas are sensitive and can cause significant pain. In a real-life situation, aim for the eyes by flicking your wrist to create a whipping motion, striking the mountain lion’s face with a rock or stick.