What should I do if I see a mountain lion on a Washington hike? Follow these tips

[ad_1] You’re on a mountain climbing path within the Pacific Northwest whenever you catch a glimpse of a large, cat-like creature with a tawny brown coat and a black-tipped tail.

You’ve simply noticed a mountain lion.

“Cougars are one of the reclusive, elusive and stealthy creatures of the forests,” the Nationwide Park Service stated on its web site. “Thus, they're not often seen by individuals.”

A mountain lion not too long ago injured a baby who was mountain climbing in Olympic Nationwide Park, The Information Tribune reported.

How widespread are cougars in Washington state? What do you have to do in case you encounter a mountain lion within the wild? Right here’s what to know:

What occurred in cougar assault at Olympic Nationwide Park? On Sunday, July 20, a mountain lion attacked a 4-year-old baby close to the Victoria Overlook space on Hurricane Ridge in Olympic Nationwide Park, the NPS stated in a Monday, July 21 information launch.

Olympic Nationwide Park in northwest Washington encompasses almost 1,000,000 acres of land, together with “glacier-capped mountains, old-growth temperate rain forests and over 70 miles of untamed shoreline,” the NPS says on its web site.

The wild cat, which was carrying a monitoring collar, bit the kid whereas they had been “strolling with their household on a well-liked path,” the federal parks company stated.

“Park employees positioned and dispatched the animal” the next day, the NPS stated within the launch. “There aren't any present threats to the general public.”

Mountain lion assaults on people are “extremely uncommon,” in keeping with the Mountain Lion Basis. The nonprofit conservation group stated there have been simply 29 instances of deadly mountain lion assaults involving individuals in North America since 1868.

Solely two individuals have died from cougar assaults in Washington state up to now century or so, Sierra journal reported in 2018.

What do cougars appear like? Cougars, also called mountain lions or pumas, are “smooth and sleek” predators recognized for his or her “energy, agility and superior capacity to leap,” in keeping with the Washington Division of Fish & Wildlife.

The massive cats differ in coloration from reddish-brown to tawny to grey, sporting black recommendations on their lengthy, ropy tails, the state wildlife company stated on its web site.

Cougar kittens sport spots till they flip 4 or 5 months outdated.

Cougars are significantly larger than different members of the cat household present in Washington state, equivalent to bobcats and Canada lynx.

Grownup male cougars can weigh as much as 180 kilos and measure 7 to eight ft lengthy “from nostril to tip of tail,” the Washington Fish & Wildlife Division stated, whereas feminine mountain lions not often weigh greater than 110 kilos.

How widespread are mountain lions in Washington state? Based on the Washington Division of Fish & Wildlife, cougars be discovered all through Washington state wherever “appropriate cowl and prey are discovered.”

“Cougars use steep canyons, rock outcroppings and boulders or vegetation equivalent to dense brush and forests to stay hidden whereas searching,” the company stated, with male mountain lions protecting a spread of fifty to 150 sq. miles to seek out meals.

Though it doesn’t usually monitor or rely cougar numbers, the Washington Division of Fish & Wildlife estimates there are roughly 2,400 grownup or almost grownup cougars dwelling within the state.

What’s one of the simplest ways to forestall a cougar assault? Based on the Mountain Lion Basis, one of the simplest ways to forestall encounters with cougars is to maintain them away out of your property.

“One of the best factor to do is to maintain a barrier between you and the wildlife,” the nonprofit stated. “By doing so, you'll save your pets and livestock from turning into dinner and assist maintain (cougars) out of hassle ...”

The Mountain Lion Basis recommends bringing your pets indoors “at any time when attainable,” particularly at night time.

“Cougars are most lively from nightfall to daybreak,” the Washington Division of Fish & Wild life stated, though it’s “commonplace” for the wild cats to go searching through the day.

You must also safe your livestock at night time in a “absolutely enclosed construction” equivalent to a shed or barn, the Mountain Lion Basis stated, including that tall fences and specifically educated guard canine can even maintain cougars at bay.

It is best to keep away from attracting deer — cougars’ pure prey — to your yard or backyard by holding tempting, tasty vegetation at a minimal and putting in correct fencing, the Mountain Lion Basis stated.

You possibly can maintain away different mountain lion meals sources, together with raccoons and feral cats, by storing pet meals in a safe enclosure, feeding your animals indoors and securing your rubbish cans, the muse stated.

“Timed or movement sensor alarms with flashing lights, loud noises and sprinklers may fit on mountain lions, and can even present an added bonus of scaring different pesky neighbors who present up uninvited,” the Mountain Lion Basis stated.

What ought to I do if I encounter a mountain lion? Earlier than hitting the path, the Mountain Lion Basis recommends placing on “vibrant and extremely contrasting clothes” and asking about latest wildlife sightings.

It is best to keep on trails, examine maps to keep away from getting misplaced and maintain your pets safe on leashes.

“Keep away from jogging or mountain biking in low-light circumstances at nightfall and daybreak,” the Mountain Lion Basis stated.

Based on the NPS, it's best to comply with these steps in case you see a cougar within the wild:

Cease, keep calm and don't flip your again. Don't run.

Face the animal, stand upright, discuss calmly and firmly to the cougar and provides it a method to escape in case you can.

Do all you'll be able to to look bigger. For instance, open your jacket and lift or wave your arms.

Decide up young children or pets so that they gained’t panic, flee or make speedy actions.

If the cougar turns into extra aggressive, change into extra aggressive towards it.

Since mountain lions are “doubtlessly harmful” animals, it's best to report all cougar sightings to park rangers or submit a web based wildlife report, the NPS stated.