IF I ENCOUNTER A MOUNTAIN LION WHILE RIDING MY HORSE WHAT DO I DO?

Question

MY FRIEND AND I HAVE SPOTTED MOUNTAIN LIONS 3 TIMES AND ALL THREE TIMES I HAVE STAYED CALM AND TRIED TO WALK AWAY BUT MY FRIEND TAKES HER HORSE AND RUNS AS FAST AS SHE CAN, AND OF COURSE THE HORSE I AM RIDING TAKES OFF AFTER HER AND I CANNOT STOP THE HORSE FOR MY LIFE, I DONT KNOW WHAT IS THE RIGHT THING TO DO, I HAVE HEARD SOO MANY THINGS TO DO. PLEASE HELP, THANKS!

Answer 1

Mountain lions aren't generally going to attack you on a hike, much less you on a horse (they simply have a bad rep.) If you are really concerned, then keep on what you have been doing. Don't panic, and don't let you or your horse run- that may invoke a 'fight of flight' instinct in the mountain lion, or it may also rouse the predator side- seeing potential prey fleeing does that to most predators. Make noise, keep your eyes on it, but don't change your course or run off.

Also, if your horse is running with your friends, you don't have enough control over it. This can be a problem if you horse gets spooked, potentially throwing you off, injuring you, and thus putting you at higher risk for becoming a prey item.

To sum it all up:

Stay calm, make noise, don't change course, and keep control over your horse. Also, talk to your friend so that she doesn't put anyone in danger.

Answer 2

The "correct" thing to do when you encounter a mountain lion on a hike is to try to act larger than you are and make lots of noise. Basicly, you want to show the lion that you are not prey. But in your case, where as you are on a horse, I doubt the lion would attack you in the first place. You are right, though. Backing away slowly while making lots of noise would be the right thing to do. And if your friend and his horse ruin things for you, try talking to him beforehand.

Answer 3

Over power him make him think your lager physically and mentally you can do this by speaking very loudly and waving your arms in the air. ( it makes you appear larger). :)

But he probably wont attack you unless he feels your a threat to him/ her. Be extra careful if she has cubs :)