Whenever there are cougar sightings reported, people instantly become afraid. During the summer of 2008 in Squamish, B.C., cyclist Barb Ingstrom sent a mass email describing how a cougar stalked her and three other mountain bikers while they were riding along a trail. Suddenly no one wanted to bike anymore.
“Bears don’t scare me because they pretty much run away, but after [the] email, detailing how [the cougar] actually jumped out of the bushes, chased them for a bit and then stalked them from what [was] said 250 feet or so before it actually went away – that just makes me kind of nervous, especially if I’m by myself,” an e-mail recipient replied.
Although these reports can scare anyone from trekking through forests, in reality nature enthusiasts rarely see the elusive cougar.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) stated in the past 100 years there have only been 20 human deaths from cougar attacks and 100 non-fatal attacks in North America. Records show, however, there have been more attacks since 1980 than the years before. WDFW say this has to do with human encroachment of land. Cougars are losing wilderness and must share their land with humans.
The Washington Department and the British Columbia Ministry of Environment offer tips on how to stay safe when living or visiting cougar country.
Hiking, Running or Mountain Biking in Cougar Country
Runners and cyclists surprise cougars because their movements are so quick and silent they have little time to recognize human activity.
How to prevent a cougar encounter:
- Make lots of noise
- Stay in groups
- If hiking carry a walking stick as a potential weapon
- Carry pepper spray with easy access to it
- Bells are hardly audible for animals instead carry a whistle.
Children Viewed as Prey
Cougars will more likely attack children than adults because their erratic movements and small stature make it hard for cougars to differentiate them from other prey.
To prevent an attack on children:
- Keep children in fenced-in play areas
- Encourage children to stay in groups
- Keep children inside before dawn and after dusk (the most common feeding times for cougars)
- A pet dog can distract cougars before attacking humans
- Walk children to school bus stop and stay away from shrubberies
Living Among Cougars
If hungry enough, young cougars will enter neighbourhoods where the smell of food lingers. Residents must keep their houses and backyards free of food waste.
- Use padlocked trash cans when throwing out food
- Predators follow prey so avoid landscaping trees and plants animals like to eat
- Resist feeding dogs and livestock outside as cougars pick up odors. Instead keep food in the house or in the barn
- Keep pets and livestock locked up in cages or barns at night
Cougar Attacks
Although it is very rare to see a cougar there are ways to walk away safely.
- Do not run. Rapid movements trigger a cougar’s instinct to attack. Instead back away slowly
- Keep eyes locked with the cougar’s and do not turn around
- Do not crouch or hide, instead appear larger than the cougar and stand on a stump or log
- Look like a threat than prey. Create lots of noise and use rocks and sticks as weapons
- That being said do not advance on the cougar, instead move farther away
- If the cougar attacks fight back with all your strength. People have survived by punching, throwing sticks and rocks, using backpacks as shields and spraying pepper spray.
Cougar sightings should be reported to the local ranger or patrol office.
Whether living in mountain lion country or just spending the day hiking through the wilderness, remember to stick with groups, talk loudly and avoid leaving smelly foods, around which keeps cougars at bay and neighbourhoods safe.
Erica Timmerman - Erica Timmerman is a reporter and freelance writer. She graduated in 2006 with a BA in English and Art History from the University of ...
