We stopped to check out this Cougar we saw in North Dakota a few years ago.
Seriously, I have been reading about Cougar/Mountain Lions starting to show up more in populated areas for a number of years. It would really make one's eyes pop seeing one walking across your drive way. Unlike bears, if you play dead, stop fighting, they do not. If attacked one must fight for your life as long and hard as you can.
Even in the Los Angles Sub-burbs they are showing up along with Coyotes. After picking off a few pets from backyard, they soon learn were they can easily find food.
Lot of people moving into habitat once theirs and perhaps a growing population of the big cats in some places.
When hiking in their areas, keep an eye behind you, they like to attack from the rear. Hopefully, they will be discouraged if seeing eyes looking at them. But do NOT stare into the cougar’s eyes, experts say. I remember seeing a PBS program about Tigers attacking people in one area of India, they were having people wear a face like mask on the back of the head to discourage them from attacking from the rear.
Keep safe out there, it can be a jungle.
http://www.igorilla.com/gorilla/anim...ncreasing.html
http://www.natureskills.com/outdoor-...ougar-attacks/
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/episo...-attacks/1971/
Cougar experts offer these tips:
*If you encounter a cougar, try to convince it that you are not prey and that you may be dangerous.
*Don’t run. Don’t crouch down. Don’t stare into the cougar’s eyes. Pick up small children and gather together.
*If the cougar holds its ground, don’t turn your back. Wave your arms and shout to appear larger. Back slowly away and return to your vehicle or shelter.
*If a cougar approaches you, throw sticks or stones.
*If the aggression escalates, beat the animal with a stick, your fists, or other weapon.
*If you see a cougar kill another animal, such as a deer, leave the area immediately.
*If you live in cougar country, don’t leave livestock or pets unattended, or leave pet food outside.
*Report all cougar incidents to officials.