It’s everybody’s worst nightmare: you’re having fun with a pleasant, quiet hike via the woods when abruptly, you’re nose to nose with a mountain lion that would rip you to shreds. What do you do?
You grow to be frozen to the spot and all of your data of forest security flies out the window.
You are feeling like working, however you realize deep down that that will solely make issues worse.
Then, you bear in mind you’ve gotten one thing to defend your self with. However it’s bear spray.
Absolutely that’s higher than nothing. However does bear spray work on mountain lions in any case?
Does Bear Spray Work on Mountain Lions?
Sure, bear spray works mountain lions! It really works on any animal that has eyes and lungs.
They gained’t like their delicate eyes and noses bothered in any approach and can nearly all the time retreat shortly when the spray is inhaled.
Bear spray will defend you from quite a lot of animals together with mountain lions, cougars, wolfs, coyotes, wild pigs, elk, moose, and even canines.
Bear Spray vs. Pepper Spray
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Capsaicin (a compound present in peppers) and Water |
Capsaicin (a compound present in peppers) and Water |
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1.33% Main Capsaicinoids |
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Utilizing Bear Spray Towards a Mountain Lion
You don’t wish to end up solely armed with bear spray when nose to nose with a cougar and solely then start to query, “Does bear spray work on cougars?”
Typically, individuals don’t even take into consideration what they’d do in the event that they encountered a cougar within the wilderness till it truly occurs and time is of the essence, so that you don’t wish to hesitate.
If you end up within the precarious state of affairs of getting to fend off a mountain lion with bear spray, the hot button is to stay calm and comply with the under steps.
Seize Your Canister
Don’t panic. Stay calm and seize your bear spray canister slowly to forestall any sudden actions or noise which may worsen the mountain lion into attacking faster.
Maintain the Can Firmly
Nerves would possibly get the perfect of you to the purpose the place you might need a trembling grip on the bear spray.
However except you wish to find yourself lined in bear spray your self, strive to make certain of your actions and maintain the can firmly and steadily as you proceed.
Take away the Security Clip
To take away the protection clip on bear spray, put your thumb on the curved facet of the clip and pull it again in the direction of you.
The clip ought to dislodge, permitting you to spray the canister freely.
Purpose Barely Downward
If the mountain lion is attacking you, goal straight for his or her eyes.
If they don’t seem to be attacking you, the objective is to create a cloud of spray that they need to stroll via, so goal downward a number of toes forward of them.
Spray for 1 to 2 Seconds
Keep in mind that you solely have 4-9 seconds whole of bear spray discharge, so attempt to use it sparingly and spray for just one to 2 seconds at a time.
Learn: How Quick Can A Bear Run?
Do Mountain Lions Assault People?
The brief reply is: sure, mountains can assault people. Nonetheless, it’s a fairly uncommon incidence.
How Typically Do Assaults Happen?
Instances of mountain lions attacking people are simply not that widespread.
Since 1986, there have been solely 19 verified mountain lion assaults with simply 3 of them being deadly.
And, since 1890, there have been lower than 100 assaults on people by mountain lions with fewer than 20 of these assaults being deadly.
So it’s not one thing it’s worthwhile to actively fear about.
Nonetheless, mountain lions are beginning to pop up in locations they beforehand hadn’t inhabited.
Due to laws towards looking mountain lions and cougars, their inhabitants is rising and their habitats are increasing, which may very well be the rationale behind more moderen sightings and shut calls.
Possibilities of Being Mauled by a Mountain Lion vs. Bear
In line with the Nationwide Park Service, there’s a 1 in 2.1 million probability of getting mauled by a bear.
That’s a lot lower than the possibilities of dying in a automotive accident.
And contemplating there have solely been 19 mountain lion assaults prior to now 36 years, the possibilities of getting attacked by a mountain lion are simply as slim.
The prospect of being mauled by both a mountain lion or bear would additionally rely upon what space you’re mountaineering or tenting in.
Mountain lions like rocky canyons and mountainous terrain, whereas bears dwell in forests and grassy areas.
Neither animal units out to hunt a human. However that doesn’t imply they gained’t assault if they’re provoked or threatened.
So long as you’re cautious and conscious of your environment, likelihood is, you gained’t be mauled by both animal!
The place Do Mountain Lions Reside?
In line with the Mountain Lion Basis, mountain lions was once discovered throughout all the United States.
However as their inhabitants decreased over the a long time due to over-hunting, they’re now primarily present in 14 western states together with Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.
There are additionally small populations of mountain lions in Arkansas, Florida, and South Dakota.
Mountain lions dwell in quite a lot of locals, from sea degree all the way in which to mountain tops.
They’ve been present in humid forests, woodlands, wetlands, deserts, scrubby hills, canyons, and mountains.
They’re primarily present in areas the place their favourite prey, deer, might be discovered and locations they’ll discover plentiful shelter.
Stopping a Mountain Lion Assault
Mountain lions attacking people could not occur frequently, but it surely’s all the time a good suggestion to be ready simply in case.
So long as you’re aware of your actions, conscious of your environment, and educated about what to do, you can be good to go.
And for those who’re questioning, “Does bear spray work on mountain lions? Ought to I pack it simply in case?” The reply is sure to each questions!
It by no means hurts to be geared up with bear spray in case one by accident runs throughout your path.
Be Conscious of Your Environment
It’s all the time a good suggestion to concentrate on your environment, however particularly when within the wilderness.
Search for indicators that mountain lions could also be within the space you’re mountaineering.
Issues like scratch marks on timber and recent kills may point out that they both frequent the world you’re in or that they are going to be again quickly.
It additionally helps to not hike alone. Mountain lions will probably be much less prone to assault a bunch versus a single hiker.
In case you come throughout cougar cubs or see indicators of them, it’s finest to go away the world instantly.
Like many different wild animals, mountain lions are fiercely protecting of their younger.
Make Noise, Be Loud and Aggressive
It could be tempting to take pleasure in a pleasant, quiet hike via nature.
However getting loud in your hike would possibly deter any wild animals from approaching you and even persuade them to go in one other course on the off probability that they’re about to cross your path.
In case you do come across a mountain lion in individual, don’t panic.
You’ll wish to seem greater and extra aggressive than you might really feel within the second.
In case you get loud and begin waving your arms, the mountain lion with both see you as a risk and depart, or acknowledge you as a human, and never prey, and grow to be disinterested.
Bear in mind To not Run
Working may very well be the very factor that triggers a mountain lion to assault.
Sudden, fast actions make them really feel jumpy and threatened. So, naturally, you working in any course would make them pounce.
It’s finest to maintain eye contact with the mountain and again away slowly. And by no means, ever flip your again to it.
What To Do if a Mountain Lion Assaults You
If the worst-case state of affairs does occur and also you encounter a mountain lion that is able to assault, ensure that to face your floor and keep calm.
Do Not Run Away
By no means run away for those who come face-to-face with a mountain lion.
Working may encourage them to chase after and assault you. As an alternative, maintain your floor and rise up tall.
And it doesn’t matter what, don’t crouch or get down low. You’ll seem like four-legged prey to them for those who do that.
Staying upright on two legs as a substitute of 4 will present the mountain lion that you’re not their regular prey- which is an efficient factor!
Look and Act Intimidating
If the mountain lion is performing aggressively, you have to do one thing to intimidate it and make it assume twice earlier than attacking you.
Make your self look greater to the mountain lion.
Increase your arms, open your jacket, and even get loud! If you are able to do so with out crouching or turning your again on the mountain lion, throw objects at it to scare it off.
Combat Again if Attacked
If push involves shove and also you or one other are attacked by the mountain lion, battle again!
You need to use something you may get ahold of to battle off a mountain lion.
This contains sticks, rock, your naked palms, and, after all, bear spray. Bear in mind to goal for his or her eyes.
Mountain lions wish to go for both the neck or the top.
So do your finest to make sure that you stay upright and hold these very important areas away from the animal.
Easy methods to Maintain Mountain Lions Away From You and Your Campsite
When tenting in an space that will have mountain lions, you need to take precautions to make sure that you aren’t inadvertently attracting them to you.
Make your presence recognized
Ship a message to any wildlife within the space that you’re current by making noise.
Something from speaking loudly to singing to easily carrying a bell round your neck will make your presence recognized to animals and hold them from desirous to method you.
Keep away from strolling or mountaineering alone
Mountain lions usually tend to assault somebody who’s alone versus a whole group.
So, for the most secure mountaineering and tenting experiences, go together with a bunch!
Watch youngsters carefully
Maintain a detailed eye on any youngsters that you’re mountaineering or tenting with.
In the event that they had been to assault, mountain lions could be extra prone to go for a kid first as they’re simpler, smaller targets.
If out within the wilderness with a toddler, hold them shut by and don’t permit them to run forward or fall behind.
And particularly don’t allow them to wander away alone.
You could possibly additionally educate them on the significance of security within the wilderness and the hazard of mountain lions earlier than you even arrange in your expedition.
Hike throughout daylight
To make sure that you’re much less prone to encounter a mountain lion, hike in the course of the daylight for finest visibility and keep on trails which might be already established.
Don’t forge your individual trail- you might find yourself someplace you shouldn’t be.
Look ahead to indicators of mountain lions
Bear in mind to concentrate on your environment to be able to choose up on any indicators that mountain lions have been within the space.
Issues like claw marks, scat, and scratch piles made from leaves, grime, pine needles, and grass would all be indicators {that a} mountain lion frequents the world.
Additionally, for those who come throughout a mountain lion cub, go forward and depart the world.
Like many different wild animals, mountain lions are fiercely protecting of their younger and in the event that they sense a risk to them, they gained’t hesitate to assault.
Choose a campsite away from thick brush
Keep away from tenting in areas that mountain lions like. This contains animal trails, cliffs, rock over-hands, and areas with thick brush.
Keep away from taking pets
Pets make straightforward prey for mountain lions and would possibly even appeal to them. For you and your pet’s security, depart them behind if potential.
Don’t depart pets or pet meals exterior
In case you do need to take your pet with you, don’t depart them alone or unattended, particularly if they’re exterior your tent.
Similar to youngsters, they need to by no means wander away on their very own, both. This might appeal to a mountain lion proper to you.
In the identical vein, don’t depart any pet meals, or human meals for that matter, exterior your campsite the place a mountain lion would possibly get a whiff of it.
FAQs
How do you scare off a mountain lion?
In case you encounter a mountain lion, one of the best ways to scare it off is to make your self greater than you’re and get loud.
Open up your jacket, wave your arms within the air, get loud, and even throw objects, resembling a water bottle, at it.
Nonetheless, don’t crouch down or get low to scoop up gadgets to throw at it as they might see you as conquerable prey this fashion.
Does pepper spray work on mountain lions?
Sure, pepper spray works on mountain lions! In reality, pepper spray could be efficient towards any residing animal with eyes and noses.
Similar to bear spray, pepper spray will irritate a mountain lion’s delicate nostril and eyes, and it’ll trigger a mountain lion to wish to retreat.
How do you reply to a mountain lion?
In case you come throughout a mountain lion, don’t run away! Mountain lions may see you as prey and wish to chase you for those who flip round and run. As an alternative, maintain your jacket open and wave your arms.
You could possibly even yell at it and throw something you’re carrying in your palms. It doesn’t matter what you do, ensure that to not get low to the bottom and by no means flip your again on it.
How typically do mountain lions assault people?
Mountain lion assaults on people are extraordinarily uncommon. In reality, there have been solely 100 mountain lion assaults since 1890 and of these 100, solely 3 of them had been deadly.
Mountain lions don’t contemplate people prey and can solely assault in the event that they or their cubs really feel threatened.
To Sum Issues Up
When tenting or mountaineering, it’s best to remain conscious of your environment always.
Although mountain lions don’t readily assault people, the chance nonetheless stays in the event that they really feel threatened.
To make sure your security on any stint within the wilderness, keep away from areas that mountain lions frequent and ensure to not appeal to them to you.
And if do the truth is end up within the midst of a cougar that appears able to assault, now you realize the reply to your query, “Does bear spray work on cougars?” It does! And also you shouldn’t hesitate to make use of it if they begin charging you.
However, on the finish of the day, the possibilities are slim that you can be attacked by a mountain lion and even spot one in your tenting journey. So now you possibly can relaxation straightforward and revel in your tenting journey!
