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Safety Guidelines: Recreating

Knowing mountain lion behavior provides the best protection when recreating in the wild.

While 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.

Learn more about Understanding Cougar Behavior and follow the guidelines, below.

Or download this fact sheet:

CougarFacts PDF - 445.8KB PDF of Cougar Facts

To avoid cougar encounters when recreating in cougar country, avoid the early dawn and late dusk hours. istockphoto.com

While 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.

Following are some suggested tips for recreating in cougar country, and numbers to call if an encounter is a serious public safety concern.

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 lion. 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 lion attacks you, fight back. People have successfully fought off lions 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.