Cougars

[John Kasaian]

Over the past two decades I've noticed warning signs about mountain lions at National Forest/Parks trailheads.
A ranger I asked told me it was for liability issues---if a cougar caused injury, consider yourself forewarned.
Personally. I've only seen one mountain lion in the wild and heard local accounts of only a couple more.
Not too terribly concerning really, but then over the past two years there have been quite a few in urban coastal areas,
Then this goes viral:


Be careful out there!

[Alan Klein]

I once was attacked by a goose. It didn't like me taking its picture. Be careful out there.

[Wayne]

That's it..keeeeeeeep backing away like you're prey and make wuffing sounds like a startled deer....just keep doing that....attaboy....

[Alan Klein]

That's it..keeeeeeeep backing away like you're prey and make wuffing sounds like a startled deer....just keep doing that....attaboy....

What are you suppose to do? I would have thrown those big rocks at it.

[Heroique]

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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[Alan Klein]

I agree, very concerning!
...

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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Do you call Park Headquarters during or after the sighting?

[Wayne]

What are you suppose to do? I would have thrown those big rocks at it.

First of all, don't approach the damn kitty. Second of all, and most importantly, stand your ground and don't back away. Those 2 alone probably would have ended the encounter with 99.999% certainty. Third of all, stop taking videos. I only watched the first 60 seconds, I couldn't bear 5 more minutes of whatever stupidity happened (unnecessarily) after that...

[Michael Graves]

I was going to post my photo of a cougar, but her husband threatened to sue me if I did.

[LabRat]

I was going to post my photo of a cougar, but her husband threatened to sue me if I did.

You can attract them with a bottle of chardonnay... ;-)

Steve K

[h2oman]

I was going to post my photo of a cougar, but her husband threatened to sue me if I did.

I was wondering how long it would take someone to go there!