Mountain lions tend to become more active at dawn and dusk, often staying active during the night. As such, recreating in the evenings or early mornings in mountain lion territory can increase the chance of a human-mountain lion encounter. But that doesn’t mean wildlife agencies expect people to hide in their homes at night or avoid any sort of evening activities.
Danny Cross was fishing with a friend earlier this month, staying on the water as it got dark, when they spotted a set of eyes in the woods nearby. Cross knew that there were likely mountain lions around, and he knew that their activity grew at night, so he was on high alert. Fortunately he spotted the eyes and was able to keep a close eye on it as it slowly approached.
“This encounter seemed like an eternity but for 30 minutes all the yelling, screaming and lights didn’t phase it one bit. It just kept coming closer and closer towards us. We finally made it back to the rafts and in the water, floated back down to the truck in the dark and got home safe!!“
It’s very hard to see the mountain lion in the distance of the video, but if you look closely, you can see it moving about. Cross did state that they were able to confirm it as a mountain lion as it grew closer. Fortunately the two did exactly what needed to be done to stay safe in a situation like this. They stayed calm, kept facing the animal, and got loud.
California Department of Fish & Wildlife on Mountain Lion Safety:
- Avoid hiking, biking, or jogging alone — or at dawn, dusk, or at night.
- Deer-proof your property to avoid attracting a lion’s main food source.
- Remove dense vegetation from around the home to reduce hiding spaces.
- Install outdoor lighting to make it difficult for mountain lions to approach unseen.
- Secure livestock and outdoor large pets in sturdy, covered shelters at night.
If You Encounter a Mountain Lion
- Stay alert on trails. Keep pets leashed and walk with small children, don’t let them run ahead.
- Never approach a mountain lion. Give them an escape route.
- DO NOT RUN. Stay calm. Do not turn your back.
- Face the animal, make loud noise and try to look bigger. If with small children, put them on your shoulders.
- Do not crouch down or bend over.
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