Hikers, hunters, and other recreators all fear encountering a mountain lion while out in the wilderness. While seeing one from a distance isn’t completely uncommon, having one swipe at your leg is downright terrifying.
Laurien Elsholz came face-to-face with a huge mountain lion while hunting in the Utah wilderness. She states in the video’s description that she felt something swipe at her leg and then saw the big cat staring directly at her.
Read the description followed by the insane video.
“My biggest fear came true today. I am so lucky I got away from this kitty. We were hunting and I smelt something dead then I heard crashing and felt something grab my leg I was shocked to see it was a mountain lion I hit her with my hiking stick and she backed up I was trapped behind thick trees I didn’t wanna turn my back to her I finally found a way out of the trees and she followed us for a little bit then ran off. I am so lucky To have walked away alive 😫🐈”
Elsholz later told FOX13 News that the mountain lion followed her and her friends for another mile down the trail, but that they eventually escaped without any further incident.
Here’s what you should if you encounter a mountain lion according to Wild Aware Utah:
“IF YOU ENCOUNTER A COUGAR
- Stop. Never run from a cougar. Do not approach the cougar.
- Maintain eye contact.
- Pick up children and pets or keep them very close.
- Stand up tall.
- Do not crouch or squat.
- 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.
If you have an encounter with aggressive wildlife, please report it to the nearest Utah Division of Wildlife Resources office. If the encounter or sighting occurs after hours or on the weekend, please call your local police department or county sheriff’s office, who can contact a conservation officer to handle the situation.”