I'm gonna camp for weeks in black hills national forest, what do i do if confronted by a mountain lion?

Question

They say there are mountain lions in Spearfish Canyon, part of Black Hills National forest, and rattle snakes. if I am confronted by one, what should I do? I know not to run, but at what point is it wise to start screaming and lifting my arms and throwing rocks at it and charging it a little to maybe scare it away?

also, they say they are nocturnal hunters, yet do a google image search and you see many pix of them in pre-attack position in the daytime. Are they agressive enough to attack me while im asleep in my tent (after having smelled me like the nice morsel I must appear to them or it) and since i dont want to carry a gun, will a knife and a can of pepper spray do?

Finally, if you don't mind, what to do in the event of rattlesnake bite; since they are out there too. Where do i get a snakebite kit, and how do you use it? and what if i don't have a snake bit kit.

For all of these scenarios by the way; picture me miles into the wild, not anywhere near society so I can't make it to the hospital or elicit help from any human. ten pts for the most serious and competent response, and thanks in advance yall!

Answer 1

You should be so lucky as to see a mountain lion. Be sure to have your camera handy because it'll be gone in an instant. Mountain lions who live in the woods and whose territory isn't being encroached by human development are absolutely terrified of human beings, because we've hunted them to near extinction in the last couple centuries. Only the most wary survived, and they've passed that wariness onto their offspring.

Similarly with rattlesnakes. It's just not something I worry about very much, because I mostly know what to do and the incidence are so low.

Sure you're not worried about sprained ankles, bears, lightning, getting sick from your water, diarrhea, or by god what will I cook for each of the meals?

Answer 2

If attack seems imminent, hit the ground.  Put your head between your legs and kiss your butt goodbye.

Answer 3

I think your supposed to raise up your arms and try to look really big.

Answer 4

In the event of a mountain lion attack, stand up straight and make yourself look as large as possible.   DO NOT RUN!  Running induces the cat's natural instinct to give chase and never get stoop down or bend over because then the cat thinks that you are four legged prey.  Yell at the cat and throw things at it, but do not bend over to retrieve things to throw; just use anything in your pockets.  Above all, let the cat know that you are not prey; you are a predator and in control of the situation.  This is an excellent article on the subject that goes into more detail:

http://www.essortment.com/all/mountainli...

If bitten by a rattler keep the area as still as possible and keep the bitten area below your heart.  While you may want to splint the area to keep it still you should NOT use a tourniquet or tie the splint too tight.  You do NOT want to reduce blood flow to the are.  Remove in jewelry on the body part because swelling does occur.  Do NOT ice the area.  Lie still and remain calm because you do while you don't want to reduce blood flow to the area, you don't want blood racing though your system and carrying the venom with it.

This site has many tips to avoid snake bites altogether and several tips on what to do in case you are bitten:

http://www.venturacountytrails.org/News/...

A snake bite kit such as this one is less than four dollars and will be worth every penny if you should get bitten:

http://www.campingsurvival.com/snakebite...

I hope you have fun.  I love camping and am looking forward to getting back out there myself soon.  Happy Trails!

Answer 5

Info below obtained from link provided. Check out link for further details. It's good advice.

Do not hike alone, the cougar experts all say. Go in groups, with adults supervising children. The majority of lion attacks on people have involved individuals hiking or running alone. The size and noise of groups seems to deter lions.

Do not run because running stimulates a mountain lion's instinct to chase. Instead, stand and face the animal.

Think twice about bringing a dog into mountain lion country.

Do not approach a lion. Most mountain lions will try to avoid a confrontation. Give the lion a way to escape. Always leave lion cubs and all baby wildlife alone.

Do not crouch down.

Do all you can to appear larger. Raise your arms. Open your jacket if you are wearing one. Keep everyone in your group together, appearing as one large shape to the lion. Wave your arms slowly and speak firmly in a loud, low voice.

Fight back if attacked. Throw stones, branches, or whatever you can reach without crouching or turning your back. People have fought back successfully with rocks, sticks, tools, jackets, and their bare hands. Since a mountain lion usually tries to bite the head or neck, try to remain standing and face the attacking animal. Wildlife experts do not recommend that you play dead.