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INTRODUCTION
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Mountain lions (sometimes referred to as cougars, pumas, panthers, catamounts, and ghost cats) primarily live in the western United States (though they have been known to have ranges into Canada and South America), with a small population in Florida. These big cats tend to be solitary predators with large range territories. When hiking or performing other activities in the wild, encountering these big cats can be rare, with attacks being even rarer, but they can be scary if you do not know what to do. In this lesson, we will cover the characteristics of a mountain lion, what signs to look for to indicate that a mountain lion may be in the area, and what to do if you encounter a mountain lion.
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MOUNTAIN LION CHARACTERISTICS
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While most people will probably be able to tell a mountain lion right away, there are some people who may mistake them for another cat or animal, depending on the location and time of day. To make sure that you are looking at a mountain lion, you should look for the following characteristics:
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A slender build with a small, broad head.
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A uniform fur color that is tan to slightly reddish, with lighter areas on the underbelly
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A weight that ranges between 61-220 pounds, depending on the individual and gender of the animal
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A body that measures from 5 1/2 to 8 feet long, including their tail
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A long tail that appears heavy with a black end tip
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SIGNS THAT A MOUNTAIN LION MAY BE IN THE AREA
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Sometimes referred to as the “ghost cat,” mountain lions can be in an area and never be spotted by humans. However, just as with other animals, they do leave traces of their presence behind. Signs that a mountain lion may be in the area include:
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Tracks
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Mountain lion tracks will typically have a heel with two lobes on the front and three round lobes on the bottom and rounded uneven toes with no claw marks.
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Scat (i.e., leavings, feces, or poop)
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Mountain lion scat will typically be around 6 to 15
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inches long and about 1 inch or more in diameter. It will also be either segmented or one solid piece with blunted ends, though one end may be pointy.
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Kill Sites
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There are areas where a mountain lion has covered their kill with leaves, grass, or dirt with the intention to return at a later time to eat, as they may consume their kill over several days.
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Prey will typically include, deer, elk, bighorn sheep, rabbit, turkey, raccoon, and porcupine.
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They have also been known to go after other predators such as coyotes.
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Scratches and Markings on trees, stumps, or logs
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Scrape Marks which are made by their hind legs to mark territory or during mating season
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Vocalizations which can sound like a high-pitched scream, cry, whistle, growls, and hissing If a mountain lion has been previously sighted in an area, the local wildlife office may also post warning notices in areas where the cat was spotted, so you should also be on the lookout for these public notices.
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WHAT TO DO IF YOU ENCOUNTER A MOUNTAIN LION
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Note: While bear spray has not been specifically tested on mountain lions, some wildlife offices do recommend having bear spray on hand when walking in areas where lions, bears, and other predators are known to be. Where applicable, if you have questions regarding your company's policy or requirement to carry bear spray, please speak with your supervisor. If you are out in an area that may be a known habitat for a mountain lion and you encounter one of these elusive cats, you should do the following:
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Remain calm.
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Do NOT run, as this can trigger their prey chasing instinct.
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Do NOT crouch or bend down as this can make you look like prey.
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Leave an exit route for the animal.
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Do NOT approach or block in the animal.
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Slowly back away and maintain your distance.
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If it starts to approach, make yourself appear larger with anything that you may have on hand.
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If the cat continues its approach, throw whatever you can at it.
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If you have it, use bear spray to help deter the animal, but be aware that bear spray will typically require that you be within a close range to the animal and may blow back on you in windy conditions.
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Make loud noises and speak firmly.
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While attacks from a mountain lion are a rare event, if you are attacked, you should do the following:
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Protect your vulnerable areas, such as your neck and head.
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Do NOT run or play dead.
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Fight back with anything that you have on hand while aiming for the vulnerable spots on the cat, such as the eyes, nose, etc.
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Do NOT stop fighting until the cat retreats.
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Once safe, seek immediate medical attention for any wounds that you sustained during the attack.
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Report the attack to your supervisor and local wildlife office.
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CONCLUSION
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To conclude, the mountain lion is one of the biggest cat species in the United States. However, these solitary animals are elusive and rarely seen by humans. They primarily live in the western United States and some parts of Florida. While encounters may be rare, attacks on humans from these cats are even rarer. However, that does not make these encounters any less scary. If you encounter a mountain lion you should not approach but leave it alone and slowly back away. If the cat continues to follow you, you should make yourself appear bigger, and if necessary, throw anything you have. If you are attacked, you should fight back and then seek medical attention for your wounds. If you have questions about working in areas where mountain lions may be present, please speak with your supervisor.