Mountain lions are among the creatures commonly sighted in .
So what's the best way to avoid turning an encounter into an attack?
From the :
There has been very little research on how to avoid mountain lion attacks. But mountain lion attacks that have occurred are being analyzed in the hope that some crucial questions can be answered. Following are safety tips and information provided by the California Department of Fish and Game. For further, more detailed, information click on Living With California Mountain Lions.
Do Not Hike Alone: Go in groups, with adults supervising children.
Keep Children Close To You: Observations of captured wild mountain lions reveal that the animals seem especially drawn to children. Keep children within your sight at all times.
Do Not Approach a Lion: Most mountain lions will try to avoid a confrontation. Give them a way to escape.
Do Not Run From a Lion: Running may stimulate a mountain lion's instinct to chase. Instead, stand and face the animal. Make eye contact. If you have small children with you, pick them up, if possible, so they don't panic and run. Although it may be awkward, pick them up without bending over or turning away from the mountain lion.
Do Not Crouch Down or Bend Over: A person squatting or bending over looks a lot like a four-legged prey animal.
Do All You Can To Appear Larger: Raise your arms. Open your jacket if you are wearing one.
Fight Back If Attacked: Throw stones, branches, or whatever you can reach without crouching or turning your back. Wave your arms slowly and speak firmly in a loud voice. The idea is to convince the mountain lion that you are not prey and that you may be a danger to it.
Immediately Report All Encounters or Sightings.
