When Encountering a Mountain Lion in the Wild, This is What a Person Should Never Do…

mountain lion on rock

Mountain lions are one of the most feared predator in the US, and while a lot of this fear is caused by a misunderstanding of this animal, they are still dangerous enough to garner an enormous amount of respect.

Luckily the chances of running into a cougar anywhere in the wilderness are slim since they are very reclusive creatures that are usually fearful of humans. In fact, only in the rarest of circumstances will they attack a human, least of all a full-sized adult.

Even though attacks are rare, they can happen, and across the board, these kinds of attack could have been prevented by following some simple rules that apply to a lot of predatory animals.

If you were ever to encounter a mountain lion while camping, bugging out, or spending time in the wild, you should learn about the rules ahead of time. Check out a helpful list after the break. 

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111 Comments

  3. Tom Bevill Sr. said:

    A hand full of sand to its face should be as good as mace.A cats eyes get very large when it moves in for an attack.Makes a bigger target.

    Reply
  4. Cody Turner said:

    I carry everyday so first round in the dirt. If that doesn’t work next one goes in its head.

    Reply
  6. Doug Selby said:

    I wouldn’t be caught in cougar territory with out a firearm. Problem solved.

    Reply
  10. Jim Neal said:

    I’d like to know what scientific evidence they used to determine mountain lions are more likely to attack people with dogs. I’ve spent weeks at a time with multiple dogs in mountain lion country for decades and I’ve never been attacked. I’ve seen tracks and on a few occasions actually cats.

    Reply
  13. Alex Paez said:

    Get a knife out go for the neck and hope for the best.

    Reply
  14. Ronnie Gray said:

    A lot of stupid$#%&!@*said on here only one smart thing I see is not be unarmed in mountain lion country ,and get out a knife and go for the neck is a joke yeah well why don’t you take a hike in mountain lion country and take a knife with you see how that works out for you,a cat will sneak up on you and attack quick hot you like a truck with it’s long fangs in your throat cutting off your air plus it’s powerful claws got you in a tight grip ,but I am sure you can get your knife out after that and go for it’s neck ,where do up people come from better stay your$#%&!@*our on lion country and bear country and for sure wold country ,just stay in the city wow talk about stupid can’t fix that mane if it was a small bob cat you might have a chance but when your hit by surprise by a big cat most of the time you will be dead soon oh yeah bring catnip that will do it do they make bear nip also lmfao

    Reply
  16. Mark Lamb said:

    Pretty sure me and my friend where being stalked by big cat last night. Was pretty unnerving

    Reply
  17. Josh Ice said:

    Carry at least a 38 special that you are super good and fast with. They can be killed with a knife but not to sound like I’m bragging but I killed lynx with a double bit axe and a knife and I’m very qualifpied with a Knife, and wouldn’t want to do it again. And got tore up a lot in the process. Also it didn’t come outta nowhere was on my hounds. And then lunged at me. I now carry a 357 mag. You all should too!

    Reply
  26. Paul Faile said:

    Okay they informed us what not to do on casual hike in the woods. Heres what I have learned about mountain lions…thier home range is about 7 square mines…if you see 2 its probably mating season. They are right about making yourself bigger…keeping kids together…but I differ on pets. When your bugging out keep you gonna leave your dog? I’m not keep them on a short sturdy leash…as for protecting your neck yes…these animals attack from behind…keeping eye contact yes…but once you lose sight of them they may circle back and come up behind you….bur srnse you bugged out you should be armed..right….some good things to remember….any preditor when hungry will stalk its prey….or any food source….keep your food in there containers while walking or what every your doing….this big cats can climb trees….as well as bobcats…which can be abproblem also….how about bears…..snakes….and yes spiders…..best advice…is know the habitat of your bug out location….a simple field guide can help aid you in this endeavor of knowing where you are going.

    Reply
  27. Kirk Eberding said:

    I was always trained NOT to use bells in the wild. They only attract wildlife (bears/big cats) because they aren’t natural to the environment. Put kids out front and let them talk. Most predators know what a human voice is and they know to stay away.

    Reply
  29. William Codi Wood said:

    Step 1, fire a warning shot. Step 2, if step 1 doesn’t work and your life is in danger, blast the$#%&!@*

    Reply
  31. Tony Nostra Thomas said:

    I left a bar in Detroit last night and I’m pretty sure one of those mother Fuckers charged me … I tripped on a curb and woke up in the fetal position about 30 mins later … that must have scared the$#%&!@*outta him cause …. bam … he was no where to be found

    Reply
  37. Bill Hensler said:

    Pull trigger until magazine is empty. Reload. Repeat until all but one magazine is gone.

    Reply
  43. Cyndie Fennimore said:

    I’ve heard if you see one, it’s already decided not to eat you. This is from some old country mountain men, they say big cats jump on your back from an elevated position. Bite your spinal column at the base of your neck. Silent , fast.

    Reply
  44. Allyson Thomas said:

    Don’t act scared and don’t run….keep your pace and do not make eye contact.

    Reply
  50. Chris Hodge said:

    Tessa never run from a mountain lion or play dead. Look big and protect your neck.

    Reply

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