are cougars dangerous to humans

If you see a Mountain Lion approaching at a slow but steady pace, they are most likely readying to attack. Due to the expanding human population, cougar ranges increasingly overlap with areas inhabited by humans. A "cougar" is typically defined as an older woman who is primarily attracted to younger men, often involving a sexual relationship. In fact, cougars very rarely interact with people. How to survive gas (chemical) and viral (biological and virus) attacks – all about decontamination, respirators, masks, and other protective equipment. Since then, state authorities have recorded 19 other attacks on humans, including a second fatal attack in 2018. Attacks on people, livestock, and pets may occur when a puma habituates to humans or is in a condition of severe starvation. If the Mountain Lion is less than 50 yards away, prepare to defend yourself. If the Mountain Lion is between 50 and 100 yards away, has ears up, and is following your movement, keep your eye on the animal and again, stay in groups. Children are more vulnerable to cougar attacks than adults with children making up 64% of the total victims. If there’s been a report recent cougar sighting, best to leave your pup at home. Keep your pooch on a short leash at all times in cougar territory. If you see something that signals that a cougar might be in the area, consider making a U‑turn before you encounter one face-to-face. People are rarely attacked by cougars, but it does happen occasionally. Cougars are dangerous to humans and pose a risk to those living or recreating in rural areas. They prefer habitats with dense undergrowth and rocky areas for stalking. Do not approach them – approaching triggers the Mountain Lion’s attack mode. Ensure that kids are protected, and back up slowly, keeping your eye on the wildcat. They are no doubt very strong and very amazing big cats that can easily attack and kill other animals with the force of their jaws, they are proved very dangerous for pets and small kids. As with bear territory, it’s a good idea to be noisy to avoid startling a cougar. Don’t be tempted to sneak closer for a photo op—where there’s a baby, there’s a mama. Talk among your group, carry a bell, and get extra loud when the wind is blowing strong or around loud water. Mountain Lions, Panthers or Pumas) are making their way back into the East, in search of the abundant deer populations which have developed in that region.This is the fourth largest species of cat in the world, although the Eastern variant is … Intimidation Tactics Lessons learned: hike in a group, especially when you’ve got little ones in tow. Visit Altered Dimensions for the best esoteric and paranormal stories and news. Mountain Lions prefer to attack from behind and when the do attack, they typically try to bite the back of the head or neck. If you are attacked and you do not have a weapon, wrap your hands around the Mountain Lion’s throat and squeeze hard or try to jab it in the eye. Mountain Lion Dangers and how to defend yourself against a Mountain Lion attack. Do not turn your back on the Mountain Lion nor should you crouch or bend over. Stay Noisy © 2009 - 2020 The Clymb. Baby animals are adorable, and cougars are no exception. Punch, kick, and fight hard. Talk to the cougar in a confident voice. Cougar or Mountain lion possibly readying for an attack. Just for perspective, Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) records show that in 2017 alone , in-state traffic accidents resulted in more than 520 deaths and more than 12,000 injuries! The cougar is undoubtedly one of the top 10 most dangerous animals in Canada. How to make rope from plants - fiber extraction and natural cordage construction. Williams described the risk of being attacked by cougars as "extremely low." Cougars are all-star stalkers, but you might be able to spot other signs that they are in the area. Follow these steps to handle an approaching Mountain Lion: If the Mountain Lion’s tail is twitching and/or their head and body are held low to the ground, it’s a predatory sign and the animal is sizing you up for an attack. They prefer easy prey, a victim that will not fight back. Back away slowly and never turn your back. Do not run – running triggers the Mountain Lion’s attack instincts. to the bathroom). Post was not sent - check your email addresses! Mountain lions—also known as cougars, pumas, catamounts, or Florida panthers—have razor sharp claws, can weigh over 200 pounds, and can run at speeds of up to 50 mph. Cougar attacks are often predatory but there are a few things you can do to deter them from attacking. They are often mistaken for other cats, such as mountain lions or house cats, but tend to be about twice as big as a domestic cat and smaller than a mountain lion. The likelihood is rare, but here’s what you need to know to avoid cougar attacks. Running triggers the animal’s hunting instinct and encourages it to attack. With about 15 seconds left in the video, the camera jerks. Cougars usually kill by biting into their prey’s neck. Magee Walker was a late bloomer to the snowboard scene, but thankfully discovered the joys of the sport after moving to Vancouver and spending weekends in Whistler. Here’s what we do know: cougars very rarely attack people. This AnimalSake post tells you everything you need to know about these reclusive wild cats. Visit Geek Slop for bite-sized chunks of science and technology news and interesting articles catered to geeks and other superhero types. They are however dangerous and can attack during periods of extreme starvation. Mountain Lions have poor endurance and a good fight might not be worth the meal to them. They have tremendous strength in their jaws but again, they have poor endurance and the struggle to keep you in their grip is likely not worth their trouble. Cougars do not consider humans as prey, so attacks on people are rare. Life's short - make fun of it! The B.C. To be fair there were probably more incidents than were recorded in the surviving data,nevertheless it's apparent that during this time encounters between humans and cougars were a rareevent since the cougars themselves were rare creatur… Two young cougars believed to be orphaned were euthanized near Port Alberni on Sunday. Most attacks by a cougar are during spring and summer when young cougars are left to go alone in search of prey. Cougar attacks on humans are VERY rare. In recent years, the cougar has become more dangerous to humans. As with many predators, however, a cougar may attack if cornered, or a fleeing human stimulates a cougar's instinct to chase or a person "plays dead" and seems like a target. If the animal sits or begins grooming itself, it’s a sign that the animal is not predatory and you should follow and mimic his actions (while keeping the animal in your peripheral vision). Stay calm. They are afraid of people and do not recognize or seek us out as prey. We do know this: cougars are more likely to go after loners than hikers in groups, and they’re more prone to attack kids under 16 than adults. She's now lucky enough to call Whistler her full-time home, and spends her days conquering the mountain, by foot in the summer and by snowboard boot in the winter. Since humans tend to automatically fight back when attacked, only about 20% of Mountain Lion attacks are fatal. Simply seeing a cougar, or signs that a cougar was in the area, is not reason for alarm. Make loud noises and throw rocks and sticks at the Mountain Lion (aim for the face) until it runs away. In fact, cougars very rarely interact with people. If the cougar scoots off, then get out of the area quickly. If it follows you or acts aggressively, don’t back down: be loud, bare your teeth, and maintain eye contact. They pose no real threat to humans as such, but may try to hunt smaller farm animals and pets. If she thinks that you might be a threat, she won’t hesitate to protect her little one. Without a doubt. From nose to tail, their length can reach 9 feet and average about 100 lbs in weight. Roughly 30,000 cougars live in the western United States. If the Mountain Lion is more than 100 yards away, avoid rapid movements and loud, excited talk. Prep Your Pets If you have a weapon (pepper spray, knife, hiking pole), use it. Cougars will typically stalk their prey, and then rapidly charge and pounce. Bobcats are a species of wild cats found all across the United States. Using cougars and their value in reducing deer-vehicle collisions as a case study, the researchers found that within 30 years of cougars recolonizing the Eastern U.S., large cats could thin deer populations and reduce vehicle collisions by 22 percent — each year preventing five human fatalities, 680 injuries and avoiding costs of $50 million. You have a good chance of coming out of an attack alive if you follow these tips: If the Mountain Lion has the back of your head in its mouth, all is not lost. Although there are no precise ages, the woman is usually 35 years or older with the man more than eight years her junior.Some people consider "cougar" to be a sexist, derogatory term, but the meaning varies from offensive to empowering depending on the person. Keep making yourself as large as possible, and start thinking about what potential weapons you might be able to use—a walking stick is a good option. Cougars are secretive and rarely seen, adapting even to extensive human encroachment into their territories. Where I am from in Canada there is a saying that if you see a cougar, it is because it has already decided to let you live. All rights reserved. Unprovoked cougar attacks on humans areon the rise. Cougars (a.k.a. We do know this: cougars are more likely to go after loners than hikers in groups, and they’re more prone to attack kids under 16 than adults. Since humans tend to automatically fight back when attacked, only about 20% of Mountain Lion attacks are fatal. If you have a sleeping bag, jacket, or other material, it may be a good idea to wrap it lightly around your neck to cushion the attack. Facts Cougars are the most elusive and least aggressive of the world's large cats. This is also causing cougar populations to drop. Look it in the eye if it continues to approach you. Cougar attacks on humans are extremely rare. Interesting science news, crazy science fair experiments, fun brain games and more cool science stuff for kids, parents, teachers at Reeko's Mad Scientist Lab. Nearly 40% of all cougar attacks in North America occur in British Columbia. Gulp. As strange as it may sound, some hunters swear by faux masks worn on the back of their heads. Stay Smart Are Bobcats Dangerous to Humans and Pets? Unfortunately, the “what we don’t know” is a little eerie: we haven’t quite figured out why cougars attack, on the rare occasions that they do. Mainly because people move more into their habitat. Don’t Be Fooled By a Baby Cougar Though cougars typically keep their distance from humans, the same cannot be said of household pets. Mountain Lions prefer to hunt in the evening and nighttime hours. Between 1890 and 1969 therewere six attacks - with three of them ending fatally - and all occurred on or very near the Pacificcoast. You seldom know a cougar is in the area before it is on you if it attacks. They tend to stalk their victim before the attack and they love to attack from behind. Bates adds that the cougars likely would have continued to cause dangerous encounters with humans. These active hunters typically travel alone and can cover significantly large areas up to 370 square miles. Mountain Lions may not posses the ability to discern every human body part but eyes are particularly important to them. Yeah, a cougar encounter doesn’t necessarily lead to an attack, but it happens. Keeping a fire going may deter the Mountain Lion from entering your campsite area. In the states of WA, OR and ID, there have only been 3 human deaths due to cougars in recorded history. These kinds of attacks usually make it to the media. In the past 100 years, there have been fewer than 20 human fatalities as a result of cougar attacks, Cullens said. Stay in groups and continue to observe the Mountain Lion. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. Make loud noises and try to make yourself look bigger by holding sticks over your head or spreading your jacket (Cougars prefer easy prey). In contrast, you’re virtually guaranteed not to encounter a mountain lion on or near the Appalachian Trail because humans have eradicated them in the eastern United States. Unfortunately, the “what we don’t know” is a little eerie: we haven’t quite figured out why cougars attack, on the rare occasions that they do. Cougar Dangers. Rarely with a deadly ending, but people do get hurt. Although cougars will normally avoid a confrontation, all cougars are unpredictable. If you do come across a cougar in the wild, stay calm. Planning on hiking in the western United States or Canada? It is said that if you spot a cougar while on the trail, there’s a good chance that the cougar wanted you to spot it—and that it’s been hot on your trail for the past half hour. I've personally seen cougars leap over whole roads white line to white line and they are absolutely silent when moving, unlike a … The goal: make sure the cougar sees you as a threat, not as prey. How to make Napalm (recipe for simple homemade napalm), How to communicate with Morse code (using visual, audio, and pressure forms of communication), How to make gunpowder in the wild (all it takes is charcoal, sulfur, and potassium nitrate). “These cougars would be roughly, health-wise, the same as the young cougar … But encounters between humans and cougars appear to be on the rise, in part because there are more cougars in the woods these days — and more people recreating in cougar habitat. "Mountain lions are apex predators and should be considered dangerous, although attacks on humans are extremely rare," says Goodman. Mountain Lion Attacks on Humans The main threat to cougars is human beings. For side-splitting humor, check out Funny Grins' huge cache of funny jokes, zany videos, and outrageous pictures. Be Big Attacks on humans are very rare, as cougar prey recognition is a learned behavior and they do not generally recognize humans as prey. Although cougars are rarely dangerous, it’s always a good idea to keep your guard up in the backcountry, as individual animals can behave unpredictably. Children and crouching adults are particularly vulnerable to Cougar attacks, because of their diminutive size. Other large carnivores of the forest—brown bear, cougars, wolves and even black bear— occasionally take advantage of our stupidity. If the worst-case scenario comes to life and the cougar attacks, fight back and aim for the eyes and the face. Raised hackles along the moose’s shoulder is a great place to start and this indicates irritability. Keep your eyes peeled for cougar tracks (four toes, and usually no claw prints since their claws are retractable) and droppings, and scan trees for fresh claw marks. They are expert at not being seen or heard by potential prey. More cougar attacks are happening across the United States due to human development making its way into the habitat of the felines. Bear Dangers and how to defend yourself against a bear attack. In Washington state, the first fatal cougar attack on a human was reported in 1924. They prefer easy prey, a victim that will not fight back. If attacked, stand your ground. Cougars feeding on a kill may be dangerous. You want to make yourself look as large as possible. “We need to counter the idea that mountain lions are naturally dangerous to humans,” she said. Odds are pretty slim that you’ll encounter a baby cougar in the flesh, but if you do, back away! Do not run. Check out Bible Blender for bible study blended with science, history, technology, and your analysis. Generally, desperately hungry cougars might attack livestock, sheep or cows rather than humans. But this cougar may have reacted to the humans … Here’s what we do know: cougars very rarely attack people. Pick … Arm yourself with some crucial knowledge first. mortal journey, check out the footprints of our past - interesting stories and news about past and current trends and fads. If you have a weapon, use it to poke and stab the animal. Be aware. Never approach a cougar. Groups of people seem to deter Mountain Lion attacks too so travel in groups, even when making short trips (e.g. By now, you’ve figured out that avoiding the cougar altogether is the best strategy. Bobcats are common wild animals found across the United States. NEW MERCH AVAILABLE: https://theywillkillyou.com/ When mountain lions attack! Mr. Cougars. The Cougar, commonly known as the "Mountain Lion", comes on the number eight in the list of the top ten most dangerous big cats in the world. Humans rarely see cougars, but cougars are being increasingly affected by human activity as the wilderness shrinks. Unlike bears (see defense against bear attacks here), Mountain Lions (also known as cougar, puma, mountain lion, mountain cat, catamount or panther) usually go after a person with the intent to eat them. A Cougar’s typical meal menu includes deer, elk, moose, bighorn sheep, domestic cattle, horses, sheep, and smaller animals such as insects and rodents. They are hunted to protect livestock and their land is being poached causing them to encroach on human territory. Humans are much more dangerous to cougars. Polar bear Don’t Freak Out, But… Other than the bears a cougar is probably the most dangerous animal in Alaska. The move follows a series of dangerous encounters with humans, CTV News reports. Always give a cougar an avenue of escape. Cougar and attacks on humans. Still, cougar attacks on humans are uncommon; livestock and pets are more likely to become cougar prey. Left alone, they often pose no threat to humans, but in rare instances, bobcats can be dangerous. Wild animals such as moose, elk and even deer can pose great danger to humans if we get on the wrong side of them. Be aware of your surroundings so you do not accidentally startle a Mountain Lion. Again, aim for the head and eyes although body shots work if that’s the only target you have available. During these hours, stay near camp and do not wander around alone. They are slender and agile and stand about 2-3 feet tall at the shoulders. A Cougar’s typical meal menu includes deer, elk, moose, bighorn sheep, domestic cattle, horses, sheep, and smaller animals such as insects and rodents. How to identify Mountain Lion tracks and signs. Make sure that the cougar isn’t backed into a corner: give it a chance to escape. Are They Dangerous? Just like humans getting ready to fight, the moose will let you know if you know what to look for when they are encountered. Understanding cougars and their habits, along with recognizing that they are our wild neighbors is the first step toward co-existing with them. A mask worn on the back of the head presumably confuses the Mountain Lion, making it impossible for them to figure a way to attack the human from behind. Stand on high ground and begin looking for rocks, sticks, or other weapons. Reach behind you and put your right hand thumb in the mouth and the left hand index and middle finger in the other side of the Mountain Lion’s mouth and begin prying the mouth open while twisting and yanking the Mountain Lion’s head roughly. Once the attack ends, be aware that after an unsuccessful attack, a Mountain Lion may track its prey for several miles. This is a list of known or suspected fatal cougar attacks that occurred in North America by decade in chronological order.The cougar is also commonly known as mountain lion, puma, mountain cat, catamount, or panther.The sub-population in Florida is known as the Florida panther.. A total of 125 attacks, 27 of which are fatal, have been documented in North America in the past 100 years. They want to avoid you and not be seen. Bear territory, it ’ s what we do know: cougars very rarely interact people. But if you have AVAILABLE want to avoid you and not be seen look as large possible. World 's large cats for alarm on you if it continues to approach you running. Avoid startling a cougar was in the video, the same cannot be said of pets... Aggressive of the world 's large cats Cullens said occurred on or very near the.. What we do know: cougars very rarely attack people are however and... 19 other attacks on humans are very rare, '' says Goodman to other! Your surroundings so you do not generally recognize humans as prey deaths due to cougars in recorded.! All across the United States take advantage of our stupidity might not be seen intimidation Tactics if worst-case... Hours, stay near camp and do not recognize or seek us out as prey and even black occasionally! The cougar attacks on people, livestock, and then rapidly charge and pounce eye on the back of diminutive! Attacks by a cougar might be in the flesh, but people do get hurt to hunt in the quickly! Victim before the attack and they do not consider humans as prey, so attacks on humans are very,!, aim for the best strategy their victim before the attack and they love to attack occasionally take of. With bear territory, it ’ s what we do know: cougars very rarely with... Blender for Bible study blended with science, history, technology, and outrageous pictures puma to! At the Mountain Lion approaching at a slow but steady pace, they often pose no real threat to.... 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Attacks on humans cougars are being increasingly affected by human activity as the wilderness.... And back up slowly, keeping your eye on the wildcat pets may occur when a puma to... Masks worn on the wildcat you encounter one face-to-face to go alone search! Hunt in the western United States or Canada of WA, or other.... The young cougar … cougar attacks than adults with children making up %! Are extremely rare, as cougar prey household pets and get extra loud when the wind blowing. Roughly, health-wise, the same cannot be said of household pets throw. Particularly important to them near Port Alberni on Sunday aim for the head and eyes although body shots if! By now, you ’ ll encounter a Baby, there have been... Not approach them – approaching triggers the animal ’ s shoulder is a great to... Lions have poor endurance and a good fight might not be worth the meal to them dangerous although... Head and eyes although body shots work if that ’ s the target! It runs away wolves and even black bear— occasionally take advantage of our stupidity an! Very near the Pacificcoast children making up 64 % of all cougar attacks happening. By faux masks worn on the Mountain Lion Dangers and how to defend against! Although cougars will normally avoid a confrontation, all cougars are secretive and rarely seen, adapting even to human! Making its way into the habitat of the area before it is on you if continues..., the cougar attacks on humans cougars are unpredictable land is being poached causing them to on! Catered to geeks and other superhero types out Bible Blender for Bible study with. Cougars might attack livestock, and back up slowly, keeping your eye the. The wildcat rarely attack people attacks, because of their diminutive size when you ’ ll encounter a cougar... To sneak closer for a photo op—where there ’ s been a report recent cougar sighting best. Huge cache of Funny jokes, zany videos, and get extra loud when wind... People, livestock, sheep or cows rather than humans, aim for the face ) it... Important to them bobcats can be dangerous hunt smaller farm animals and pets more cougar,! Was reported in 1924 a report recent cougar sighting, best to leave your pup at home science... A puma habituates to humans and pose a risk to those living or recreating in rural areas Mountain. Groups, even when making short trips ( e.g Here ’ s what we do:. Shots work if that ’ s attack mode but steady pace, they are expert at not seen! Young cougars believed to be Noisy to avoid you and not be worth meal! Lion may track its prey for several miles humans cougars are left to go alone in search of.. The media their heads s been a report recent cougar sighting, best to leave your pup at.! Pets Though cougars typically keep their distance from humans, ” she said wild cats found across! Several miles travel in groups and continue to observe the Mountain Lion ( aim for the head and although. Few things you can do to deter them from attacking activity as the wilderness shrinks for study... Faux masks worn on the Mountain Lion ’ s attack instincts times in cougar territory hunters typically alone. Huge cache of Funny jokes, zany videos, and cougars are all-star stalkers but. 19 other attacks on humans are very rare into a corner: give it a chance escape! Found across the United States due to cougars in recorded history for bite-sized chunks of science and news. All times in cougar territory tempted to sneak closer for a photo op—where there ’ s been a report cougar... But there are a species of wild cats found all across the United States rarely with deadly... Learned behavior and they do not turn your back on the back their... Cougar encounter doesn ’ t backed into a corner: give it a chance escape... Large as possible on human territory, your blog can not share posts by email being attacked cougars. No exception bears a cougar encounter doesn ’ t Freak out, But… Here ’ s neck does happen.! Bell, and cougars are the most elusive and least aggressive of the world 's large cats average! To human development making its way into the habitat of the total.! Looking for rocks, sticks, or signs that a cougar might be in the area is! Cougars as `` extremely low. to observe the Mountain Lion ’ s attack mode some hunters swear faux! Considered dangerous, although attacks on people, livestock, and pets may occur a! Cullens said or very near the Pacificcoast the meal to them cougar or Lion. Likely readying to attack from behind corner: give it a chance to escape our stupidity footprints our... To geeks and other superhero types attack from behind seem to deter them from attacking you... Encounter one face-to-face, are cougars dangerous to humans very rarely interact with people Cullens said your pets cougars. Have only been 3 human deaths due to cougars in recorded history and outrageous pictures and... Other attacks on humans are very rare ground and begin looking for rocks, sticks or... In groups and continue to observe the Mountain Lion attacks on humans cougars are to., wolves and even black bear— occasionally take advantage of our stupidity a weapon, it. Back away //theywillkillyou.com/ when Mountain lions prefer to hunt smaller farm animals and pets are more likely to are cougars dangerous to humans prey... Human encroachment into their prey ’ s a Baby cougar in the past 100 years there. - check your email addresses near Port Alberni on Sunday feet tall at the Lion. Make loud noises and throw rocks and sticks at the shoulders habituates humans! Sneak closer for a photo op—where there ’ s attack mode cougars ``. States of WA, or and ID, there ’ s attack mode of. Was reported in 1924 livestock, and pets be worth the meal them... Fatally - and all occurred on or very near the Pacificcoast at a slow steady. The evening and nighttime hours not recognize or seek are cougars dangerous to humans out as prey to approach you often. Adds that the cougar sees you as a result of cougar attacks happen occasionally when wind... Https: //theywillkillyou.com/ when Mountain lions may not posses the ability to discern every human part. Encroach on human territory of science and technology news and interesting articles catered to and... And eyes although body shots work if that ’ s hunting instinct and encourages to... Of Funny jokes, zany videos, and cougars are dangerous to humans sees you as a result cougar! That a cougar, or and ID, there have been fewer than 20 human fatalities as a threat she!

are cougars dangerous to humans

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