Cougar (mountain lion, puma) attacks are occurring more frequently due to increasing populations of cougars and humans sharing wilderness areas.
Risk factors for serious attack:
(1) wilderness or rural areas
(2) child or adolescent
(3) someone alone or out of sight of others
(4) rabid cougar
(5) lack of alternative prey (hunger)
(6) vulnerable to an attack from behind (inattentive, hard of hearing, last in line, etc.)
A dog may be helpful to detect a prowling lion or distract the animal during an attack.
The presence of an adult nearby may not be a deterrent.
Steps to protect yourself from the attack from behind:
(1) wear a back pack with a high frame
(2) putting children in front with the adults behind
(3) keeping close together and not letting children wander off
What does not work in an attack:
(1) running away
(2) playing dead
(3) trying to scare the animal
What may work in attack:
(1) standing up, keeping eye contact with the animal and not panicking
(2) fire should be a good deterrent
(3) fighting back with whatever is available
