Mt. Lions

[SUE GRAHL <sgrahl@flash.net>]

As a former park ranger who worked in a park known for it's Mt. Lion
population I can give the following information:
1. Mt. lions rarely attack prey that weighs more than 400 pounds. They
are not large enough to take down larger herd animals unless the animal
is sick or disabled.
2. You are safer on your horse than on the ground because you will
appear bigger to the cat. I was patrolling trail when I heard a noise in
the brush right next to me and my horse.
A large male Mt. lion appeared from the brush, turned and ran leaping
over large cactus.
It was an amazing sight.This is usually what happens when confronted by
riders
3. Most people who are attacked are runners running alone or small
childern.Runners behave like most prey,they run.Small children move
differently than adults. They jump, run, pause, run again,
to a mt. lion this is prey animal behavior.
4. If confronted stand your ground. Make yourself appear as big as
possible. If the cat does not leave wave your arms, yell, through a
water bottle at the cat. If you are on the ground get back on your
horse. If your on foot with a small child, pick the child up and behave
aggressively. This will scare the cat because every encounter he has
with other animals cause them to turn and run.
Last but not least, you have a greater chance of being hit by lighting
than being attacked by a mt. lion.
Sue Grahl