Re: Mt. Lions

["Duncan Fletcher" <dfletche@gte.net>]

I was just about to add this same information. And reading the original post
from Garrett confirms everything said here.

Duncan Fletcher
dfletche@gte.net

----- Original Message -----
From: "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
>
>