Living and Recreating In Mountain Lion Country
Keep yourself and mountain lions out of harm's way.
- Trim vegetation from around your house where cougars might find cover.
- Install outdoor lighting, preferably motion sensor lights in the most heavily trafficked areas.
- Do not leave food out to attract deer or other wildlife.
- Remove plants that attract deer, raccoons, etc. More deer means more mountain lions. In more rural parts of the country, birdseed may attract animals that mountain lions might prey upon.
- Keep pets and pet food inside at night, and make sure you know where they are during the day – they make easy prey. This will protect them from coyotes and bobcats as well.
- Fence livestock and keep them contained in secure enclosures with a roof especially at night.
- Supervise children if they see a lion, particularly during dusk and dawn, when mountain lions are most active. Educate them about what to do if they see a cougar.
- Avoid hiking, biking, or running alone.
- If alone, consider carrying pepper spray or mace and a walking stick.
- Keep children in front of you and close by.
- Make noise.
- Never approach a puma of any size, especially a kitten.
- Never approach a wildlife carcass.
- Avoid recreating between dusk and dawn when lions are most likely looking for prey. Trim vegetation from around your house where cougars might find cover.