Re: RC: Re: trail safety: cats, etc

[RDCARRIE@aol.com]

Basically those who said to act big and threatening are on the right track.  
I don't remember the statistics, but something like 80 or 90% of mountain 
lion attacks are by young animals (less than 2 yrs old).  Many can be easily 
bluffed.  Mountain lions have a strong sense of self-preservation, and if 
they sense that you're not easy prey, they'll opt to look for something that 
is less likely to hurt them.  If confronted, try to look as large as 
possible, yell, etc.  Be as aggressive and threatening as you can.  The idea 
is to convince them that if they attack you, they might get hurt, and that 
you're not easy prey.  Don't turn your back on them - maintain eye contact.  
If you have small kids with you, pick them up, as they are small and their 
quick movements make them seem an easy target to the cat.  If a cat actually 
attacks you, biologists recommend fighting back as viciously as you can - 
kick, punch, yell, etc.  This is different from a bear attack, where it's 
usually recommended that you play dead.  Many Forest Service and Nat. Park 
offices have brochures explaining what to do in the event that you're 
confronted by a cat.  Of course, as someone said, it's best to avoid an 
encounter, but with mountain lions, they can be right there before you know 
they're around.

Dawn