Mountain Lions

: Image by dracobotanicus via Flickr

Mountain lions are beautiful animals in my opinion, and they have a special place in the ecosystem. Here are some interesting facts and safety tips about mountain lions.

Fact #1: They are solitary. Unlike African lions that live in prides and hunt cooperatively, mature North American mountain lions live and hunt alone.

Fact #2: They are territorial. A single male will rule a territory larger than 100 square miles, killing any other male that invades his domain. He will, on the other hand, tolerate female intrusion.

Fact #3: At around two years of age, kittens are no longer tolerated by their mother and get unceremoniously kicked out.

Fact #4: Evicted young cougars must find their own territory.

Fact #5: Mountain Lions are very elusive and generally manage to stay out of site. You are very unlikely to encounter one in the wilderness.

Safety Tip #1: These big cats very seldom attack humans.

Safety Tip #2: The best way to intimidate a cougar is to look as large as possible: spread your coat out to look broader, lift your trekking poles over your head to look taller, lift a child to your shoulders. In a word make yourself look bigger and more threatening.

Safety Tip #3: In mountain lion country stay in a group and keep your kids close.

Have fun, stay safe in the wilderness.

by Richard Davidian, Ph.D.

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