Offgrid Preparation Surviving Mountain Lion Encounters: When Wild Meets Man
In This Article
As humanity develops further into areas that were once wilderness, the chances of an encountering wild animals goes up. Ever thought about what you'd do if you came face to face with a mountain lion? No, I'm not talking about your boss on a Monday morning. I mean the real deal, with fur, fangs, and all that jazz. Whether you're hiking in the Rockies or just curious about survival tactics, this one's for you. I recently stumbled upon an article from The Manual that dives into this topic, and I thought it'd be cool to share some insights.
First off, let's clear the air. Mountain lion attacks are rare. According to Travis Duncan from Colorado Parks and Wildlife, there have been fewer than a dozen fatalities in North America in over 100 years. So, while the chances are slim, it's better to be prepared than sorry, right?
The Manual suggests that prevention is your best bet. If you're out camping, hiking, or mountain biking, making noise can deter these big cats. Think of it as the urban equivalent of not wearing headphones while walking in a sketchy neighborhood at night. You want to be aware of your surroundings and let others (or in this case, mountain lions) know you're there.
If you do find yourself in a mountain lion's personal space, don't run. That's like hitting the “chase me” button on a predator. Instead, make eye contact, talk firmly, and back away slowly. If the lion gets aggressive, throw whatever you can find—rocks, branches, your leftover lunch, whatever. Just don't turn your back or crouch down.
The article also recommends carrying bear deterrent spray. It's like pepper spray but on steroids. It's effective on pretty much any land predator, including mountain lions. So, whether you're in the city or the wild, having some form of protection can go a long way.
Mountain lions are more scared of you than you are of them. But, if you're going to venture into their territory, it's good to know what to do. Just like you wouldn't walk into a sketchy neighborhood without some awareness, don't walk into the wilderness unprepared.
STAY SAFE: Download a Free copy of the OFFGRID Outbreak Issue 
No Comments