“If you come across a mountain lion, always stand your ground and make yourself look bigger. If you’re in a group, stand side by side to show the lion how big and numerous you are.” –Wildlife Photographer, Mark Girardeau
Check out this nerve racking video of a mountain lion close encounter in Orange County, California where wildlife photographer Mark Girardeau kept his camera rolling as a big cat strolled by.
NBC4 reports the cougar, who is well enough known to local residents that it earned the name Uno, has had tons of run-ins with hikers and mountain bikers over the past 5 years.
Girardeau was in the Trabuco Canyon checking motion-activated camera traps when he noticed he had company. He kept his composure and held his ground while whipping out his phone to capture the encounter which lasted several minutes. When he finally decided to head back to his vehicle the mountain lion approached. He remained calm and carefully stepped off the trail to give it a wide berth but didn’t run. Thankfully Uno passed without incident.
This isn’t the first time Girardeau has crossed paths with a big cat in the area, this is his fifth encounter since he began photographing local wildlife in 2014.
“Each time it is scary, though. It’s really awesome to see one, but you also don’t want to see one that close to you.”
RELATED: Hear A Bird Chirping? It Might Actually Be a Mountain Lion
Guidelines for Living and Recreating Safely in Areas with Mountain Lions in California:
When it comes to mountain lions, the risk to humans is generally minimal as these creatures tend to avoid human contact. In fact, the likelihood of being attacked by a mountain lion is approximately one thousand times less than being struck by lightning. However, residents in mountain lion habitats can take certain precautions to reduce the chances of encountering these animals.
Living with Mountain Lions:
- Minimize the presence of a mountain lion’s main food source by making your property deer-proof.
- Remove dense vegetation around your home to eliminate potential hiding spots.
- Install outdoor lighting to make it harder for mountain lions to approach unnoticed.
- Secure livestock and large outdoor pets in sturdy, covered shelters during nighttime.
- Always remember that mountain lions are wild animals, and their behavior can be unpredictable, just like any other wildlife.
Mountain Lion Encounters:
- Avoid hiking, biking, or jogging alone, especially during dawn, dusk, or nighttime.
- Stay vigilant while on trails and keep a close eye on small children and pets off leash.
- Never approach a mountain lion and provide it with an escape route.
- DO NOT RUN. Stay composed, facing the animal, and make yourself appear larger while making noise.
- Avoid crouching down or bending over.