| As with all things of nature, mountain lion attacks | | | | They respond swiftly to a dose of pepper spray |
| seem to ebb and flow. As I found out today the | | | | which is exactly what you want. |
| weather has as much to do with their appearance | | | | Here is another kind of defense that works for |
| as anything. When the weather is dry they are | | | | mountain lions. Because you are probably bigger |
| driven to lower elevations to find water and along | | | | anyhow, they can be bluffed. If you spot a |
| the way some food. | | | | mountain lion, stand as tall as you can, stick out |
| Mountain lions are much different in their tactics | | | | your arms to appear larger, and talk loudly and |
| than bears. Bears of course are much bigger than | | | | aggressively. |
| mountain lions which can get to 120 pounds or so. | | | | Throw whatever you can find rocks, branches, |
| Bears just come at you using their surprisingly | | | | whatever you can find if you can. Do NOT run or |
| quick reflexes and brute size and strength. | | | | turn your back. If anything, threaten the mountain |
| Mountain lions stalk their prey. They frequently | | | | lion by appearing to advance toward it but not |
| are upon a victim before they know it. They use | | | | too close. And of course, have your pepper spray |
| stealth and speed. They go for the head or neck | | | | at the ready. |
| and a quick kill. | | | | If a mountain lion is able to sneak up on you and |
| I would never go into the back country without at | | | | attack you, fight back with all your might-your life |
| least a large bear pepper spray. The bear spray | | | | may be in the balance. You will probably surprise |
| most commonly used has a range of up to 30 ft. | | | | the cat with some opposition and he'll probably |
| NEVER. Mountain lions and bears have extremely | | | | leave. |
| sensitive noses and don't like having them abused. | | | | |