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Understanding Mountain Lion Behavior

Understanding cougar behavior minimizes risks.

[+ ZOOM] A cougar kitten stalks one of its siblings on Millers Butte, outside of Jackson, WY © Tom Mangelsen

By nature, cougars are elusive and reclusive, preferring to avoid contact with humans at all costs. In fact, upon seeing a human, cougars usually run. And at the same time, cougars have a curiosity not unlike that of housecats. The possibility of triggering this curiosity should reinforce the necessity of taking caution when living or recreating in cougar country. Understanding the behavior of cougars can greatly minimize the potential of coming into contact with one of nature's keystone species.

Lion attacks are extremely rare. Since 1890, only 20 people have been killed as a result of an attack. While these deaths are tragic, National Safety Council statistics show that there are many other things we encounter on a daily basis that are much more likely to lead to fatalities. For example, compare the 20 cougar-related deaths over the last 116 years to the 23 people who died from dog bites in 2003 alone. Even more common are car accidents. In 2002, there were 48,366 transportation related deaths.

While the statistics reinforce how unlikely cougar attacks are, we recognize that some people live or recreate in habitat where encounters may be more likely. Fears can be eased with a better understanding of these environments. For instance, most urbanites lock their doors and view this action as common sense. Why? Locking doors to protect yourself and your property only becomes common sense after gaining knowledge and assessing the risks of the environment within which you live.

Similarly, if you are going to buy or build a home or recreate in a place where cougars and other wild animals live, you need to learn about their behavior and habits and learn how to act responsibly in this environment. Following are some suggested tips for living and recreating in cougar country, and numbers to call if an encounter is a serious public safety concern.

Guidelines For Living In Cougar Country:

• Be aware of your surroundings. Contact your state game agency and learn about the wildlife in your area. Know who to call if you see a cougar. Talk to your neighbors.
• Install outside lighting. Movement activated lights placed where you walk are particularly helpful.
• Supervise children, especially during dawn and dusk. Educate them about wildlife and how to behave if they encounter a cougar. Do they know who to call if they see a cougar?
• Landscape wisely. Do not feed wildlife. Deer-proof your yard, using netting or maintaining a garden that does not attract deer or other prey. Prune dense vegetation which cougars may use for cover. Remember, if you live in or near cougar country, where there are deer, there could be a cougar. In some places, bird seed will attract animals that cougars may prey upon.
• Keep pets secure. Roaming pets are easy prey. Do not leave their food outside as it may attract racoons. Again, cougars follow prey. Store all garbage securely.
• Protect, fence and shelter livestock. Place in enclosed sheds or barns at night.

Guidelines for Recreating In Cougar Country:

• Learn about the places and wildlife living where you hike, bike, ski and climb. Be especially alert when recreating at dawn or dusk, peak times for cougars.
• Consider recreating with others. When in groups, you are less likely to surprise a cougar. If alone, consider carrying bear spray or attaching a bell to yourself or your backpack. Tell a friend where you are going and when you plan to return.
• Supervise children and pets. Keep them close to you. Teach children about cougars and how to recreate responsibly. Instruct them about how to behave in the event of an encounter.
• If you come into contact with a cougar that does not run away, stay calm, stand your ground and don't back down! Back away slowly if possible and safe to do so. Pick up children, but DO NOT BEND DOWN or turn your back on the cougar. DO NOT RUN. Running triggers an innate response in cougars which could lead to an attack.
• Raise your voice and speak firmly. Raise your arms to make yourself look larger, clap your hands, and throw something you might have in your hands, like a water bottle. Again, do not bend over to pick up a stone off the ground. This action may trigger a pounce response in a cougar.
• If in the very unusual event that a cougar attacks you, fight back. People have successfully fought off cougars with rocks, sticks, garden tools etc. Try to remain standing and get up if you fall to the ground.
• If you believe an encounter to be a valid public safety concern, contact your state game agency and any local wildlife organizations.