Mountain Lions also known as Cougars and Puma are large cats belonging to the subfamily Felinae of the suborder Feliformia. These cats are known predators that hunt smaller prey. 

Are Mountain Lions Dangerous to People?

Mountain lions are dangerous to people and other animals. They have sharp teeth and claws. Although predation on humans is rare, there are cases of cougars attacking and killing humans.

Do Mountain Lions Attack People?

Mountain Lions can attack people. The female Pumas perceive people as threats to their cubs and so they prepare for attack once they sight people. This is why there are usually warning signs in areas where they are found.

Can a Mountain Lion Kill You?

Cougars have the ability and skill to kill humans. There are several cases of cougars killing humans but the possibility of getting killed is low when compared to other natural hazards.

Are Mountain Lions Aggressive?

Cougars are not aggressive to people and other animals. Despite their ability to kill and hunt prey, mountain lions are typically shy. Also, they are active at the night and so, humans can avoid their aggressiveness by avoiding night walks and hiking around their territory.

How Fast Can a Mountain Lion Run?

Mountain Lions are very fast animals that can run as much as 80km/h. They can maintain speed for a long period over a long distance, making it difficult for humans to outrun them.

What to Do if You Encounter a Mountain Lion?

Here are recommended steps you can take when you encounter a cougar.

• Firstly, stay calm and move back slowly
• Do not try to take a fast run from the lion
• Do not go close to the lion

Mountain Lion Warning Signs

There are signs that can keep you aware of the presence of mountain lion activity in a particular area, they include:

• Seeing carcasses of dead animals is one of the major signs. Cougars eat carcasses whether they killed them or not.
• Seeing paw prints in the snow is also a sign of mountain lion activity
• Seeing other animals that are prey to cougars. Such animals include deer, sheep, etc.

What to Do in a Mountain Lion Attack?

Try to look bigger in the eyes of the lion by putting up your hands in the air and speaking with a loud voice. You can as well throw objects towards. Be ready to fight back with any available object if it approaches you still.

When Cougars Attack, Should You Play Dead?

You should not play dead in a Cougar attack. Better still, you can back away slowly or fight back with any available object or weapon.

What to Do if a Cougar is Stalking/Following You?

The first thing to do when you discover a cougar is stalking you is to stay calm. Make yourself look big, and use a louder and bigger voice. You shouldn’t embark on a run if you discover a cougar is following you.

How to Scare off a Mountain Lion?

Make yourself look bigger by waving your hands in the air. You can throw stones or branches at it. Do not turn your back on the lion for a run.

How to Fight a Mountain Lion?

The best way to get weapons or objects around you ready to fight back. Make hits at the lion’s head especially. Do not attempt a run as it is impossible to outrun Cougars.

How do Mountain Lions Attack?

Cougars usually attack with their teeth. Mountain Lions possess strong paws and teeth, and they aim at biting the head and neck of their prey. Do not bend over in a cougar attack as doing so makes you look like one of its prey.

How Many Mountain Lion Attacks are There per Year?

Between the years 1890 and 1994, there are about 90 authenticated attacks and fatalities. The number has been on the rise since then. As of 2022, 27 attacks was made.

Are Mountain Lions Territorial?

Adult mountain lions are territorial and they keep their territories aggressively from other cougars. The male lions are known to keep 150 square miles or larger as their territory while for the women it is 50 square miles.

Does Bear Spray Work on Mountain Lions?

Yes, Bear spray works on mountain lions as well as on other bears. Always carry your bear and keep it within reach when you encounter a cougar.

How to Keep Mountain Lions Away While Hiking?

Try to keep away slowly and make yourself as big as possible. You can do this by keeping your hands up and waving them.