How can I protect myself against mountain lion attack?

Question

How can I protect myself against mountain lion attack?

Answer 1

Excellent shelter!

Guard dogs!

Answer 2

Maxim magazine. May 2007 p.24

Believe it or not there is an article addressing this issue.(No pun intended)

The question I have after seeing the article is, where does one have to be to encounter a mountain lion?

Aren't they scarce?

I don't want to rehash the article, but the main points are:

1)" Safety in numbers"

2) "Large in and charge"

3) "Protect your neck"

4) "Poke the peepers"

Answer 3

Mountain lions rarely attack people. You probably have a better chance of being struck by lightening or winning the lotto.

Answer 4

It's odd you asked this question; I woke up this morning to a note on my door advising me that a mountain lion has been spotted in my area.  What a way to start the day!

I did some research this morning, and the most consistent advice I could find is:

Do NOT walk/hike alone in areas where there is known mountain lion activity.  Always bring a buddy.

Do NOT bring a dog for protection.  Contrary to popular belief, a dog will attract rather than deter mountain lion aggression.

If you are with a child and spot a mountain lion, put the child on your shoulders and have him/her wave their arms.

Make yourself as tall as possible by waving your arms above your head.

Shout long and loudly  This seems to be more affective then short shouts.

Do NOT run away from a mountain lion.  This is the action of prey and the mountain lion will pursue.  Instead, do as above and make yourself as big and loud as possible.

Answer 5

Travel with someone who runs slower than you.

Answer 6

Stay out of the mountains or zoos

Answer 7

Either a) stay off the mountain, or b) wear garlic around your neck.

Answer 8

Obviously, if you see one, do not approach it, especially if it has offspring with it.

If you are attacked, raise up your jacket or shirt to try to look bigger than you really are.  Make noises, throw rocks or branches at it until it leaves.  If you are with other people, crowd together to look like one big animal.  You are really unlikely to be attacked, but it's better to know what to do in this situation than not to. :)

Answer 9

don,t go into the mountain