Never Run from a Mountain Lion

As one who roams the backcountry quite a bit for this column and for other projects, I was shocked, saddened, and a little unnerved to learn of last December’s fatal mountain lion attack on birdwatcher and hiker Iris Kenna atop Cuyamaca Peak. While it is important to keep this tragic event in perspective — this was only the 13th known fatal attack by a cougar in the United States and Canada in this century — it is also clear that unpleasant and dangerous encounters with mountain lions throughout California have been on a sharp rise in the past two years.

Why have the normally elusive cougars been taking more and more of a fancy toward humans as prey? The answer is anxiously sought by outdoor users and by biologists studying the behavior of mountain lions in the Cuyamaca Mountains and elsewhere. Obviously, the loss of pristine habitat and the increasing contact between humans and lions on the edge zones between cities and wilderness areas are implicated. So, too, may be factors unknown at present.

The following precautions, suggested by wildlife experts, are urged for all persons entering mountain lion country:

Hike with one or more companions — there is safety in numbers.

Keep children within sight and at close range.

Never run from a mountain lion. This may trigger an instinct to attack.

Make yourself “large.” Face the animal, maintain eye contact with it, shout, blow a whistle, and do not act fearful. Do anything to convince the animal that you and your little ones are not its prey.

Carry a hiking stick and use it, or pitch stones or other objects at the animal if it continues to advance.

Confine your explorations to daytime hours, when mountain lions are less likely to be active.

To the foregoing, I shall add the following suggestions:

Take along pepper spray and be trained in its use.

Have a well-trained dog with you. A dog that runs amok is of no use, but a dog trained to stay by you may serve as an effective early-warning agent as well as a possible deterrent against attack. Dogs are not allowed in state parks (such as Cuyamaca Rancho State Park), but they are allowed in many other jurisdictions, such as the Cleveland National Forest.

If fear of mountain lions bothers you, or you are especially concerned about the safety of small children, avoid the Cuyamaca Mountains (lately California’s “hottest spot” for mountain lion sightings) and visit other local areas instead.