What are Best Practices For Traveling Through Mountain Lion Habitat?

Making Yourself Large

When encountering a mountain lion, your first priority is to make yourself appear larger and more intimidating. Stand up straight, raise your arms, and spread your jacket or any other available item to make yourself appear as wide as possible. This can help deter the mountain lion from attacking, as they are less likely to approach a perceived threat. If you have a walking stick or any other long object, use it to create a barrier between you and the mountain lion.

Protecting Children

If you are traveling with children, it’s crucial to keep them close to adults at all times when in mountain lion habitat. This can be achieved by holding hands or having children walk within arm’s length of an adult. If a mountain lion approaches, stay calm and try to position yourself between the lion and the children. Do not run, as this can trigger the mountain lion’s chase instinct. Instead, back away slowly and try to maintain a safe distance.

Defending Yourself

In the event of a mountain lion attack, your primary goal is to protect your vital organs. If the mountain lion is attacking, use any available objects (sticks, rocks, hiking poles, etc.) to fend it off. Aim for the eyes, nose, and mouth, as these are sensitive areas that can cause significant pain and distraction. If you are in a situation where you need to fight back with your bare hands, target the mountain lion’s face and neck. Remember, fighting back should be a last resort, and your priority should always be to escape the situation safely.