When Is It Best To Hike With A Group To Avoid Mountain Lions?

When Mountain Lions Are Most Active

When mountain lions are most active, it’s best to hike in a group of three or more people. This is because a group’s presence can make it more difficult for a mountain lion to assess a potential threat, giving you an upper hand in case of an encounter.

A group also enables you to keep a closer eye on each other, especially children and pets, which is crucial in mountain lion country. When hiking with children, make sure they are within arm’s length, and consider keeping them close to you or another adult at all times.

Making Yourself Large

If you encounter a mountain lion while hiking in a group, make yourself appear as large as possible by standing up straight, spreading your arms wide, and opening your jacket or coat. This can help intimidate the mountain lion and deter it from approaching. Avoid crouching or bending down, as this can make you appear smaller and more vulnerable.

In addition to making yourself large, use loud noises to scare the mountain lion away. Yell, whistle, or bang objects together to create a cacophony of sounds that can be unpleasant for the mountain lion. This can help keep it at a safe distance.

Protecting Children

If you’re hiking with children and encounter a mountain lion, protect them first. Place your body between the mountain lion and the child, and use your backpack or other objects to shield them from the mountain lion’s view. This can help the mountain lion focus on you rather than the child.

If the mountain lion approaches, use bear spray or other deterrents to protect yourself and the child. If the mountain lion attacks, use any available objects (such as sticks, rocks, or hiking poles) to fight back and protect the child.