What To Do If You See Mountain Lion

Okay, so you're out there on a trail, minding your own business, maybe humming a little tune — and then you see it. A mountain lion. Your heart stops. Your brain goes completely blank. No worries though, friend — let's talk about what you should actually do (and what you definitely shouldn't).

First Off, Don't Panic

I know, easier said than done, right? But panicking is basically the worst thing you can do. Mountain lions rarely attack humans, but if you lose it and start sprinting like your life depends on it — well, that's a pretty good invitation for them to chase you.

Your prey instincts have officially kicked in at that moment, and running equals prey. Not the vibe you're going for. So take a breath, stay put, and assess the situation with a level head.

Make Yourself Look Big

Obviously, you're a human, which is already pretty big compared to a squirrel. But you want to look imposing — think of how you acted in high school when you wanted to show you were tough. Raise your arms, open your jacket, stand up tall.

Maybe even stretch your hands up like you're doing the world's worst jumping jack in slow motion. The goal is to communicate one message: you are not easy prey. Mountain lions prefer animals that look small and scared, so the big and ugly routine actually works here.

Never Turn Your Back

This one feels like a no-brainer, but let's say it anyway: don't turn around. Once they see the back of your head, you've essentially become a target. Keep your eyes locked on the mountain lion at all times.

They're incredibly stealthy creatures — the masters of the silent approach. So if you drop your watch for even a second, you might miss something important happening behind you. Eyes forward, lock and load.

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Back Away Slowly

You're not running. That's the key. Take small, slow steps backward while keeping the mountain lion in your line of sight. Think of it like a really awkward slow dance where your partner is a 150-pound cat with sharp claws.

Moving slowly signals that you're not hunting it, and you're not competing for its territory. You're just politely noping out of this situation. And honestly? It probably wants you gone just as much as you want it gone.

Talk to the Mountain Lion (Yes, Seriously)

Here's a fun one — talk out loud. Say things in a firm, calm voice like, "Hey there, buddy, just passing through, don't mind me." Speaking helps the mountain lion understand you're a human, not another animal.

Nobody's judging you for this. In fact, some park rangers actually recommend it. You could even hum — whatever keeps things chill.

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What If It Charges?

Okay, worst-case scenario. The mountain lion actually charges at you. This is where you become the least fun dinner it's ever encountered. Fight back with everything you have — rocks, sticks, hiking poles, your bare hands, whatever you're carrying.

Use your jacket as a shield if things get really real. Aim for the eyes and nose — those are its weak spots. Mountain lions aren't equipped for relentless battles, and if you resist hard enough, it'll likely give up.

Protect Kids and Pets at All Costs

If you happen to be with children or small pets, perk up, Guardians of the Galaxy. Keep them close to you and make sure you're standing between them and the mountain lion. Smaller humans and animals look like the ideal snack, and mountain lions are wired to notice.

Never let a child or pet run off in panic — that triggers the chase instinct faster than you can say "oh no." Stay together and move as one big, intimidating unit.

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Report the Sighting

Once you've safely gotten away (slowly and on your feet, remember), do everyone a favor and report it. Call your local park service, ranger station, or wildlife agency so they know the mountain lion is active in the area.

This helps other hikers, bikers, and outdoor folks stay alert. You're not being a tattletale — you're being a responsible human being. Someone out there might really need that heads-up.

The Takeaway?

Seeing a mountain lion is rare, but it's not impossible — especially if you're hiking at dawn or dusk when they're most active. Your best tools are confidence, calmness, and a great poker face. No sudden movements, no panic, and absolutely no sprinting.

You've probably dealt with worse at work on a Monday morning anyway. So stay cool, back away, and let this incredible wild animal do its thing. Nature is awesome when you're not the snack.