Mountain Lion Encounters: What Families Need to Know To Stay Safe Outdoors

***The Navigating Mom (and this post) may contain affiliate links. If you purchase from one of these links, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.****

At The Navigating Mom, we only believe in and promote ethical and natural animal encounters. We do not promote attractions or destinations that us animals as entertainment. For our full wildlife disclaimer, please see our About Page.

Whether you’re hiking, camping, or exploring the great outdoors with your family, sharing space with wildlife is part of the adventure. One animal that captures both fascination and respect is the mountain lion — a powerful, elusive big cat that roams forests, canyons, and mountains across much of North America. Mountain lion encounters can be scary-so it is important to know what to do ahead of time.

Encounters with mountain lions are rare, but they can happen, especially in areas where these animals make their home. We did not run into one when hiking in and exploring the outdoors in the Western US, but we did take the time to prepare ahead of time in case we did!

Knowing how mountain lions behave and what steps you can take to stay safe helps keep both you and these incredible predators out on the trail together — peacefully and respectfully. We are happy to be able to share our tips with you!

About Mountain Lions

Are you a cat lover? So are we! Mountain lions are the equivalent of very large (and more dangerous) cats. They possess many of the traits you are used to seeing in your house cat, including stalking, jumping, and grooming.

Mountain lions, often called pumas or cougars, are found in the Western US and Western Canada. They can live in a variety of different habitats, ranging from dense forests to deserts to mountains and grasslands.

Mountain lions are elusive and solitary animals, often wanting to avoid contact with humans. They are very territorial and their home ranges span from dozens to hundreds of square miles.

Mountain lions are fast! They can run up to 50 mph and can jump 40-45 ft. horizontally and 15-18 ft. vertically. You can’t outrun them!

Mountain lions are carnivores, meaning they eat only meat. Mountain lions eat up to 10 lbs of meat a day, and will eat a variety of species, from deer and elk to rabbits and mice. Mountain lions are more reliant on their stealth during hunting than endurance and speed.

The good news? Mountain lions do not typically see humans standing upright as prey. During mountain lion encounters, you want to make it clear that you are not prey.

Signs of Mountain Lion Activity

Mountain lions typically have a range of 30 square miles, so seeing signs does not mean the mountain lion is in your immediate vicinity. But it could be, so you will want to make sure you are prepared.

Some things you will want to look out for that might indicate a mountain lion is near include:

• Deer, sheep, or other large animals that might be prey populating the area.
• Seeing a carcass, especially a fresh one and one partially buried with leaves or dirt.
• Scratch marks or piles of debris covering a cached animal.
• The presence of mountain lion scat (poop). It is often large. It may have hair on it from prey. If it is moist, it is fresh and the mountain lion may be nearby.
• The presence of mountain lion tracks. Tracks are usually 2″ by 4″. There will be no claw/nail prints. To determine if the print is a mountain lion or a dog, look at the top toe. If one toe is in front of the others, it is a cat (mountain lion). If both top toes are even, it is a dog print.

What To Do During Mountain Lion Encounters/Attacks

***Disclaimer: Wildlife encounters involve inherent risks. The information in this post is provided for educational purposes only. Wildlife behavior is unpredictable, and the author is not responsible for injuries or damages resulting from outdoor or wildlife-related activities.***

When mountain lion encounters occur, the first thing you will want to do is stay calm and stand your ground. If possible, you will want to begin backing away slowly. Do not lose eye contact with the animal.

• Never approach a mountain lion.
• Never run from a mountain lion. Running may trigger their natural instinct to chase/attack.
• If you have small children with you, pick them up and have them get behind you. Make sure they do not panic and attempt to run. This will increase the chances of an attack.
• Never bend over or crouch down. It may make you appear as prey to the mountain lion (makes you look more like a 4 legged animal).

If a mountain lion does attack, knowing what to do can reduce the chances of major injury or death:

• If the mountain lion is approaching, stay calm, maintain eye contact, and back away slowly.
• Make yourself appear as intimidating as possible. Wave your hands and speak slowly and firmly. If you are wearing a jacket, open/unzip it.
• If the mountain lion charges at you, pick up and throw whatever you can reach in the mountain lion’s direction (sticks, stones, etc.). Throw it in the animal’s direction, but not directly at it. (Do not crouch or turn your back).
• If throwing items in the animal’s direction doesn’t deter it, begin throwing items directly at it.
• If the mountain lion makes contact with you, fight back. Use whatever you have, a rock, stick, metal water bottle, etc. Remain standing and facing the mountain lion if possible. If you have a backpack, try to position it as a shield.
• If you have bear spray, use it! It works well on mountain lions as capsaicin will irritate their eyes, nose, and lungs. Make sure to carry some and make sure it is easily accessible for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

***The Navigating Mom (and this post) may contain affiliate links. If you purchase from one of these links, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.****

At The Navigating Mom, we only believe in and promote ethical and natural animal encounters. We do not promote attractions or destinations that us animals as entertainment. For our full wildlife disclaimer, please see our About Page.