Mountain Lions

[CivicFan]

I put this thread here because it's about food, but in this case me being the food...

Surrounding my uncle's property are state and federal owned forests. Yesterday we noticed tracks that our research indicates are cougar tracks.

Since I like to hike in those forests, what are the chances of me becoming a tasty meal for a mountain lion?

 

[IndyIan]

Pretty low I'd say, how big are you? If your 5'2" 100lbs and have a limp, your odds are a bit higher... If your uncle or you have a reasonably intelligent outdoor dog, I'd bring it along for its nose and ears.
I had a good size black bear scope me out for dinner a few springs ago and it wasn't really all that fun. If I hadn't left my trigger lock key down on the ATV by the bear I would've put a few slugs in it if it let me. No need for bears silently approaching people around here.

 

[CivicFan]

Yeah, I pack but it's for those "Deliverance" type people.

 

[bepperb]

Almost none.

 

[crw]

Cougars are frequently spotted around here, even in town. But they don't attack. As long as you aren't trying to go after them, I highly doubt that they will come after you. They like their space.

 

[dparm]

They shy away from humans. I wouldn't worry about it. Best thing to do is make noise as you walk so you don't startle them when approaching.

Of course the trick if you see one is to "make yourself appear bigger".

 

[TallPaul]

I once had property in the Colorado mountains. We were told that cougars had been sighted in the area and that if one was encountered, to make your self appear as large as possible, to open your jacket and hold it open. Think it also said not to make eye contact, but I could be wrong about that one. I should think you would not want to run away, or its prey drive might kick into high gear.

 

[ChiTDI]

They attack from behind and usually from above. Be mindful of that when you hike.

 

[Burt]

Always wear a bell around your neck and carry pepper spray.

Also know how to recognize the difference between scat that comes from a domesticated feline and that of a mountain lion.

Mountain lion scat is similar to that of domestic cats, except it tends to have little bells in it and smells like pepper.

 

[Volvo_ST1]

Originally Posted By: Burt
Always wear a bell around your neck and carry pepper spray.


Yeah, ring the cat for dinner.

Wildlife near humans is used to noises and may be rather curios than frightened by the sound of a bell. In national parks the recommendation is to skip the bear bells and get a loud whistle instead. I got one from REI that produces an ear-splitting noise that should drive any cat off. If it doesn't work, you can whistle for help. Try that with a bear bell.

A bear banger will also drive a cougar off. Bear bangers may not be legal to use though.

(whistlesforlife.com - Made in USA)

Bear Banger

He could have just snapped his fingers!

 

[CivicFan]

Originally Posted By: Burt
Always wear a bell around your neck and carry pepper spray.

Also know how to recognize the difference between scat that comes from a domesticated feline and that of a mountain lion.

Mountain lion scat is similar to that of domestic cats, except it tends to have little bells in it and smells like pepper.


Actually, on the path there was some with hair, bones and hooves in it. Research says that the meal may have been deer and dumped by the cougar on the path to mark territory.

 

[TallPaul]

Mountain Lion Safety Tips

 

[Vikas]

You say mountain lion I say Jack Bauer's ditzy daughter

 

[Pablo]

Mountains lions taste like cat.

 

[simple_gifts]

They are getting close.

Not sure what map CNN is using that puts Milford 40 miles north of Greenwich. Nonetheless, Milford is a shore town, so they appear to have penetrated deep into S. New England.