Quote:
Originally Posted by
John Kasaian
Good info if you see the cougar. They are lightening fast and when hunting most often attack from the rear. That's what concerns me!
I agree, very concerning!
That Cougar Safety Brochure (PDF above) is so full of good tips not already mentioned in this thread, I thought I’d make the first part of it more visible below. Keep in mind these tips don’t necessarily apply to other potentially dangerous animals, such as grizzlies or mountain goats. Depending on the animal, one’s behavior might need to be very different than the suggestions below.
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(Source: Olympic National Park, Wash. State)
You Are in Cougar Country! Cougars are large, seldom seen inhabitants of the Olympic wilderness. Like any wild animal, they can be dangerous. Attacks on humans are rare, but can occur. To most visitors, glimpsing a cougar in the wild is thrilling. Though few people will ever see a cougar, if you do see one, the following suggestions can increase your chances of a safe encounter.
Preventing An Encounter
Don’t hike or jog alone
Keep children within sight & close to you
Avoid dead animals
Keep a clean camp
Leave pets at home
Be alert to your surroundings
Use a walking stick
If You Meet a Cougar
Don’t run, it may trigger a cougar’s attack instinct
Stand and face it
Pick up children
Appear large, wave arms or jacket over your head
Do not approach, back away slowly
Keep eye contact
If Cougar is Aggressive
Don’t turn your back or take your eyes off it
Remain standing
Throw things
Shout loudly
Fight back aggressively
Please report all cougar sightings to the nearest ranger station or park headquarters, 600 East
Park Ave., Port Angeles, WA 98362, (360) 565-3000, or dial 911 in an emergency.
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