Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app.
Question:
Can you advise on how to deal with a cougar encounter?
Submitted by – -Deb, Omaha, NE
Answer:
Here’s the basic cougar encounter plan:
Don’t run!
Face the cougar and maintain eye contact with it. Keep a group close together, and pick up small kids. Make yourself look as big as possible.
Ready a weapon, such as a stick or rock.
If the cougar approaches:
Throw things. Show your teeth. Yell, shout, scream (which often comes naturally).
If the cougar crouches, pumps its back legs:
Strike preemptively. Run at the cougar, strike at the face, but stay out of claw range. Keep doing all the other stuff, too.
If it attacks:
Fight for your life!