How to Survive a Mountain Lion Attack

Although mountain lions are generally wary of humans, they have been known to attack on occasion. The cause is not normally known--could be due to hunger, disease, protecting their young--or various other reasons. To fend off an attack, there are certain measures to take that have been proven to work.

Things You'll Need

• Mace or pepper spray where it can be easily reached

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Instructions

• 1

  Mountain lions tend to avoid people, so if one seems to be approaching, try to give it a chance to escape.

• 2

  Look the lion in the eye (s) if it continues to approach you.

• 3

  Make loud noises. Showing your teeth and making growling noises may help.

• 4

  Make yourself appear bigger by raising up your jacket or other clothing and extending or holding up your arms.

• 5

  Stand up straight and stick out your chest.

• 6

  Pull children close, and if possible, put a small child on your shoulders to appear larger. If there are other adults, stand close together.

• 7

  If you feel you can retreat, back away slowly, and remember to never turn your back to the animal.

• 8

  Use anything within reach as a weapon and try to avoid bending or kneeling to get it. Mace or pepper spray, sticks, branches, rocks, a knife. If you have a bicycle, you can hold it up as a shield.

• 9

  Try to target an eye and jab it with your thumb (people who have done this have been successful) or use a weapon if available.

• 10

  Yell "lion", "cougar" or something specific instead of just "help."