Should You Play Dead with a Mountain Lion? A Life-Saving Guide
No, you absolutely should not play dead with a mountain lion. Instead, fighting back aggressively is your best chance of survival in a mountain lion encounter.
Mountain lion encounters are rare, but knowing how to react is crucial. These apex predators, also known as cougars or pumas, are powerful and stealthy. While the instinct to “play dead” might seem logical in some predator encounters, it’s the wrong approach when faced with a mountain lion. This article, drawing on expert advice and real-world survival strategies, details why fighting back is the recommended course of action.
Understanding Mountain Lion Behavior
Mountain lions are ambush predators. They rely on surprise and quick attacks to subdue their prey. Playing dead signals weakness and submission, potentially encouraging the lion to attack more decisively. Understanding their hunting style is key to formulating an effective defense.
- Mountain lions typically target the neck or head.
- They use their sharp claws and teeth to inflict serious injury.
- Unlike bears, they rarely scavenge; they prefer to kill their own prey.
Why Playing Dead is a Mistake
The instinct to play dead stems from encounters with other animals, particularly bears. Bears, especially brown or grizzly bears, may leave you alone if they perceive you as no longer a threat. However, this strategy is ineffective against mountain lions for several crucial reasons:
- Mountain lions are predators: They see you as potential food. Playing dead simply makes you an easier target.
- Submission encourages attack: A mountain lion is more likely to attack if it senses weakness or fear.
- Lack of deterrent: Playing dead provides no resistance, further emboldening the mountain lion.
Fighting Back: Your Best Defense
Instead of playing dead, the recommended survival strategy is to fight back aggressively. This requires courage and a proactive approach. Remember, your goal is to convince the mountain lion that you are not easy prey.
- Make yourself appear larger: Raise your arms, open your jacket, or lift small children onto your shoulders.
- Make loud noises: Shout, yell, scream, and make as much noise as possible. Use anything available to create a commotion.
- Maintain eye contact: Stare directly at the mountain lion. Avoid turning your back.
- Fight back: Use rocks, sticks, jackets, or any available object as a weapon. Aim for the face, eyes, and nose.
- Stay standing: If knocked down, get back up as quickly as possible. Continue fighting.
Assessing the Situation
Before reacting, quickly assess the situation to determine the level of threat. Has the mountain lion exhibited predatory behavior, such as stalking or crouching? Or is it simply observing you from a distance?
- Distant observation: If the mountain lion is simply watching you from afar, slowly back away while maintaining eye contact.
- Stalking behavior: If the mountain lion is stalking you, immediately begin to make yourself appear larger and make loud noises.
- Attack: If the mountain lion attacks, fight back with everything you have.
Prevention is Key
The best defense against a mountain lion attack is prevention. By taking precautions, you can reduce your risk of encountering one.
- Hike in groups: Mountain lions are less likely to attack groups of people.
- Make noise while hiking: This alerts mountain lions to your presence and gives them a chance to avoid you.
- Keep children close: Keep children within sight and reach.
- Avoid hiking at dawn and dusk: These are peak hunting times for mountain lions.
- Carry bear spray: While designed for bears, bear spray can also deter mountain lions.
Comparison Table: Playing Dead vs. Fighting Back
| Strategy | Pros | Cons | Effectiveness Against Mountain Lions |
|---|---|---|---|
| —————— | ——————————————————————– | ———————————————————————————————- | ————————————– |
| Playing Dead | May deter some predators, particularly bears in specific situations. | Makes you an easier target; signals weakness; encourages attack. | Extremely ineffective. |
| Fighting Back | Demonstrates strength; deters attack; increases chances of survival. | Requires courage and aggression; may result in injury. | Highly effective. |
Practical Considerations for Children
Teaching children how to react to a mountain lion encounter is critical. Simplify the message and focus on the key actions.
- Teach them to “be big”: Show them how to raise their arms and make themselves look larger.
- Teach them to be loud: Practice shouting and yelling.
- Teach them to run towards you: Instruct them to run towards an adult, not away.
Final Thoughts
While the idea of playing dead might seem intuitive in a dangerous situation, it is not the correct response when facing a mountain lion. Should you play dead with a mountain lion? The answer is a resounding no. Aggressively defending yourself significantly increases your chances of survival. Remember to stay vigilant, take preventative measures, and be prepared to fight back.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What should I do if a mountain lion approaches me slowly?
Back away slowly while maintaining eye contact. Make yourself appear larger and make noise. Never turn your back or run, as this can trigger the mountain lion’s predatory instincts.
Is it safe to hike alone in mountain lion territory?
Hiking in groups is always safer. Mountain lions are less likely to attack groups of people. If you must hike alone, be extra vigilant and carry bear spray. Making noise as you hike can also help to alert mountain lions to your presence.
Can bear spray be used against mountain lions?
Yes, bear spray can be effective against mountain lions. Aim for the face and eyes. Bear spray is designed to deter animals by causing temporary irritation and disorientation.
What if I don’t have any weapons to defend myself?
Use anything available as a weapon, including rocks, sticks, jackets, or even your bare hands. The goal is to injure the mountain lion and convince it that you are not an easy target.
How close is too close to a mountain lion?
Any distance where the mountain lion appears to be exhibiting predatory behavior (stalking, crouching, focused attention) is too close. If a mountain lion is watching you from a distance without displaying aggressive behavior, slowly back away while maintaining eye contact.
Are mountain lion attacks common?
Mountain lion attacks are rare, but they do occur. Knowing how to react is crucial in the event of an encounter. Most attacks happen because the victim was perceived as easy prey.
What should I do if a mountain lion attacks my pet?
Fight back aggressively. Do everything you can to protect your pet. Yell, throw rocks, and use any available object as a weapon. After the encounter, report the incident to local wildlife authorities.
Should I run if a mountain lion is chasing me?
Running can trigger the mountain lion’s predatory instincts and encourage it to pursue you. Instead, stand your ground, make yourself appear larger, and fight back.
What time of day are mountain lions most active?
Mountain lions are most active at dawn and dusk. Avoid hiking during these times if possible. If you must hike at dawn or dusk, be extra vigilant and make noise as you hike.
What does it mean if a mountain lion is “screaming”?
Mountain lions make a variety of vocalizations, including screams, growls, and hisses. A scream can indicate distress, territorial defense, or even mating behavior. Regardless of the reason, it’s a sign to be cautious and aware of your surroundings.
What should I do after a mountain lion encounter?
Report the encounter to your local wildlife agency. This helps them track mountain lion activity and take appropriate measures to protect public safety. Provide as much detail as possible about the encounter, including the location, time, and behavior of the mountain lion.
Are some areas more dangerous than others for mountain lion encounters?
Areas with abundant prey, such as deer, are more likely to attract mountain lions. Also, areas with dense vegetation or rocky terrain provide cover for ambush predators. Be especially cautious in these types of environments.