If you’re already hitting the trails this year, the Division of Wildlife Resources has an important reminder for you: stay aware that you’re sharing the mountain with mountain lions. “People are most likely to encounter cougars in areas frequented by mule deer, and at dawn and dusk, which is when cougars typically hunt,” shares Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Game Mammals Coordinator Darren DeBloois. Here are a few DWR tips to prevent conflicts with cougars: Do not hike or jog alone. Maintain awareness in cougar country and avoid using headphones. Travel in groups and keep everyone together, including children and dogs. Make noise while hiking. Leave the area if you find a dead animal, especially deer or elk, since it could be a cougar kill. If you live in an area near deer habitat, do not leave children outside unattended, especially at dawn and dusk. As a deterrent, install outside and motion-sensitive lighting around your property. Bring pets and livestock inside at night or secure them in a barn or kennel with a top. In the rare event that you do happen to encounter a cougar, here are some tips to help keep you safe: Never run from a cougar. Maintain eye contact. Pick up children and pets or keep them very close. Stand up tall. Make yourself look bigger by raising and waving your arms or jacket above your head. Talk firmly in a loud voice, back away slowly and leave the area. Fight back if you are attacked! Protect your head and neck. If you are aggressive enough, the cougar will probably flee. For more tips, visit wildlife.utah.gov.
