Survive a Mountain Lion Attack!

There have been 108 confirmed attacks on humans with twenty fatalities in North America since 1890, fifty of the incidents having occurred since 1991. Most notable of these mountain lion attacks have occurred in Southern California in recent years. California has had 12 attacks since 1986 with three fatalities. This compares to three reported attacks from 1890 to 1985. Naturally, attacks in populated areas, especially in Southern California, receive a lot of press, so they may seem more significant than they actually are. The increase in attacks on humans in this area and in other quickly spreading metropolitan areas can be attributed to two closely related reasons. Rapid development encroaches into mountain lion territories, and results in a decrease in the animals' food supply. Thus, people move into an area where these animals normally hunt, and they can become prey for the hungry cats. Generally, in rural areas with slower rates of development, wildlife clashes with people are not quite as dramatic. While Modoc County is a prime location for a mountain lion attack, the closest documented encounters have been in Siskiyou County to the west, and El Dorado County to the south.

In Modoc County, California, as in many other rural areas, it's a good idea to arm yourself when going into the outback where dangerous wildlife may live. If approached by a mountain lion, never run, and try to fire your weapon first to scare, but be prepared to immediately fire a second time for the kill. Everyone has to make his or her own split second decision depending on the situation, but always be prepared to shoot to kill if your life’s in danger. Remember, though, these guys are a protected species in California, authorized to be hunted and killed only in very specific situations, such as when the animal is declared a public safety threat. They are also listed as endangered in some eastern states such as the Florida panther. Regulated hunting is still common in most states and Canada, and permitted in every state west of the Mississippi except California.

If you're unarmed and you are being stalked by one of these big cats, try to be bold and move away as best you can, but never run. Running can trigger the animal's chase instincts. The animal prefers to strike from concealment behind its prey, so try to keep the animal in front of you. Never take your eyes off the cat, but always try to give them a way out. If the mountain lion attacks, it will almost always go for the neck or head, which is a characteristic of these animals. If attacked, do not run, cower or try to make yourself small, as this will only encourage the lion. Your best defenses are: try to appear larger to the animal (stay upright and hold your hands above your head); yell calmly but loudly; throw rocks or limbs (do not bend over to pick them up). Small children are most vulnerable to attack. If you’re accompanying children during a mountain lion attack, hold them as high as you can and away from the attack. Remain as calm as possible but fight back with all you've got, including your fists. Treat any wounds or injuries immediately after the cat departs the area. Seek emergency medical attention immediately. Report the incident to law enforcement or wildlife authorities as soon as possible. If you maintain a level head, you can survive a mountain lion attack.

Following is a summary of some tips to help you survive a mountain lion attack:

• Never Run. Running can trigger the animal's chase instincts.
• Try to keep the animal in front of you.
• Try to give them a way out; an escape route.
• Appear larger to the mountain lion; stand upright and hold your hands above your head.
• Yell calmly but loudly.
• Throw rocks or limbs but do not bend over to pick them up.
• Fight back with all you've got, including your fists.

More Information about Mountain Lions