|
HOW DO YOU AVOID CONFLICT WITH COUGARS?
- Do not hike alone and always supervise children in a group hike.
- Keep children close to you or in sight at all times. Cougars are especially attracted to the energy of children.
- Do not approach a lion. Most mountain lions try to avoid people. Give it an avenue of escape.
- DO NOT RUN FROM A LION. Running stimulates the chase instinct of lions. Stand and face the animal. Make eye contact. Pick up small children, trying not to bend over too much or turn away from the lion.
- Do not crouch or bend. Squatting or bending over makes a person look like a prey animal.
- Do all you can to look larger: open your coat or jacket, raise your arms. Most victims of lion attacks have been women and children; men are rarely attacked, possibly because of their size.
- Wave your arms slowly and speak with a firm voice. Throw rocks or branches, trying not to bend over if at all possible.
- If attacked, fight back. People have been known to fight off lions with hats, sticks, tools, even their bare hands. Since lions go for the head or neck, try to remain standing and face the animal.
Please report all sightings of cougars to WSI, (530) 546-1211. We need to know the time, location, behavior, your name, address and phone number. Do not be afraid -- be informed.
The above suggestions are intended to assist you in deciding how, when, and why to evict and/or report nuisance wildlife. Keep in mind that WSI is here as a community service organization to help you get along with
these creatures we share the mountains and lakes with. Hopefully, you will call WSI if you have questions or just need a little more information about some of our roommates under the sky.
|
|
