Plants & Wildlife · Reference · Basic
Mountain Lion Encounters: Stand Your Ground
Running triggers the chase instinct. Face the cat, look big, and fight if it comes to that.
This is for educational purposes only. Not professional medical, electrical, or safety advice.
- 01
Never run
Running triggers a lion's chase instinct. Face the animal, keep eye contact, stay upright and give it an escape route — most lions want to leave.
- 02
Protect children first
Pick up small children without bending over or turning your back if you can. Crouching makes you look like prey.
- 03
Look big and loud
Raise your arms, open your jacket, wave a stick. If the lion acts aggressive, speak firmly and throw rocks or branches without crouching down to pick them up.
- 04
If it attacks
Fight back with everything you have — people have driven off attacking lions with sticks, rocks and bare hands. Do not play dead.
- 05
Avoid the buffet
Lions cache kills and return to them. If you find a covered carcass or fresh kill, leave the area immediately — the owner is nearby.