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[RC] cougar country - Dawn Simas
See my signature below to see what I do... I lecture about living in mountain lion country, their behavior, etc. It is not a biased or political lecture, just a common sense one on their behavior and biology. I am in Auburn, so if any riding groups around here would like to get together and invite me to talk, I'd be happy to. I've lectured to Loomis Basin Horsemans Assoc and Placer Country Search And Rescue.
In answer to your question about riding at night in cougar country... They are not nocturnal, they are "crepuscular", which means they are most active and hunt at dawn and dusk. Stay on your horse and if you must dismount, stay very close to him (larger image/prey). I myself always carry pepper spray (Counter Assault is made for grizzlies and DOES work on large cats) and a knife on my saddle within lightning fast reach. The thing is, if you see the cat, odds are you won't get jumped. They hunt by ambush and are usually only brave enough to pounce a "sure thing" that doesn't see it coming, from behind. You could wear a mask on the back of your head, honestly it works for maneating tigers in India... :) Most importantly, just be prepared and have pepper spray and a knife for closehand combat. *Many* cougar attacks have been survived by fighting back. And never corner a cat that you do see and force him to feel he has to defend himself, only fight if he's jumped you
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Ms. Dawn Simas
Director - Wild About Cats
Wild Feline Conservation, Education, and Rescue
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