Outdoorsy people help?

Question

I live in the mountains and I am very outdoorsy as in I love the outdoors. I want to go explore the woods without getting lost or eaten by a bear or mountain lion, any tips?

Answer 1

It's always best to hike with a buddy, first of all.  

Wear neutral colors, and easy does it on anything scented.  I use non-scented detergents as a rule, but especially before I go backpacking.  All food and scented items should be stored in a bear box and/or bear cannister.  Do not leave food out at night, or in your tent.

As far as the mountain lion goes, don't bend down and tie shoes, etc., motions that make you look like their prey.  If you encounter one, stand still, look big (open your jacket, spread your legs) and yell.  If you see a bear, stand quietly and it should pass by.  Moms with cubs are a bit unpredictable, but as long as you offer no threat, you're not on their radar.  Had my first trail-bear experience last year, mom was with 2 cubs, and they were foraging and paid us no mind.

And you can always carry a whistle, just in case, but only use it in an emergency.

Happy hiking!

Answer 2

a 50cal handgun , or a pump shotgun  helps

anything less may only wound the animal

and only make them more angry.....

Answer 3

Make plenty of noise as wou walk. It is my understanding that most of the people that are mauled or killed and eaten surprised the cougar or bear.

Answer 4

ya help stop the bann on hunting mountain lions andwolves every year my family loses 14,000$ from mountain lions and wolves eating our cattle

Answer 5

To keep from getting lost, get a hand-held GPS, and study maps where you are going to go.  If you can't get one, pay attention to the position of the sun at different times of year, you can use that to orient yourself.  To prevent wild animal attacks, don't go alone, but if you do, wear a small bell that rings when you walk.  If approached by a wild animal, don't look it in the eye (this is considered threatening behaviour), wait for the animal to move on.  If it doesn't  walk away slowly, don't run.

Answer 6

Use scent free soaps and take non-meat snacks with you.  There are mace canisters meant to ward off bears so get a couple of those.  

With that, bears and mountain lions will try to avoid you if there is room.  Animals attack mostly if you have entered their territory or if their offspring / cubs are near.

Answer 7

It isn't just the animals you have to worry about. What if you slip & break your leg? Be sure to carry some sort of beacon device or leave a certain time that you will be back in touch with someone. Dying hurt and alone in the forest with the animals waiting to eat your carcass is not the way to go.