Seldom seen but ever present, mountain lions range throughout the nearly one million acres of Olympic National Park, including its over 70 miles of wild coastline.
The mountain lions of Olympic National Park prefer habitats with dense underbrush and clear rocky areas for stalking and tend to live in the mountains and forests. Though their population density is low, they serve a vital role in balancing the ecosystem as apex predators. As strict carnivores they generally hunt large game such as deer and elk, controlling their populations and in turn reducing the number of animals eating grass and tress allowing Olympic’s forests and fields to grow healthy and lush.
While they mainly stick to high country and forests, mountain lions can also be found in coastal areas like this one that was spotted on Rialto Beach by a camper who sent up a drone to survey his surroundings.
The elusive big cat emerged from the trees just steps away from man’s oceanside campsite and strolled across a massive section of driftwood before peacefully returning to the forest. Definitely unnerving footage for the man occupying that tent.
As a reminder to all drone pilots, launching, landing, or operating an unmanned aircraft from or on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service within the boundaries of Olympic National Park is prohibited except as approved in writing by the superintendent.
Olympic National Park Mountain Lion Safety Guidelines:
Safety:
- Keep your kids between adults and don’t let them run ahead
- Keep your pets on leash and don’t let them run ahead
- Stay aware of your surroundings
If you see a cougar:
- Do not approach, especially one that is near a recent prey-kill or has kittens.
- Stop, stay calm and do not turn your back. Do not run.
- Face the animal, stand upright, talk calmly and firmly to the cougar and give it a way to escape if you can.
- Do all you can to appear larger. For example, open your jacket and raise or wave your arms.
- Pick up small children or pets immediately so they won’t panic, flee, or make rapid movements.
- If the cougar becomes more aggressive, become more aggressive toward it. Convince the animal that you are not prey, but a danger to it.
- Fight back if attacked.