Carson National Forest is the northernmost of five National Forests in New Mexico. It encompasses over 2,300 square miles of land and features some of the finest mountain scenery in the Southwest. Carson Nation Forest is criss crossed by over 330 miles of hiking trails and is an excellent destination for adventurers seeking a wilderness experience.
The National Forest land is home to a wide variety of wildlife including  elk, mule deer, golden eagles, marmots, martens, picas, black bears and mountain lions. In 2023, The New Mexico Department of Game & Fish estimated the statewide mountain lion population to 3,494 cougars 18 months or older. Many of these big cats live in Carson National Forest.
Although mountain lions are elusive by nature, encounters can happen and its important to know the proper protocol if you come across one. This hiker was thru-hiking the Continental Divide Trail in the Carson National Forest when she stumbled upon a young mountain lion lying down in the middle of the trail. The woman tried scaring the mountain lion away with a deep guttural growl and then pulled out a harmonica she had been carrying in her shoulder pocket and played it a quick few notes:
Whether or not it was the power of music that ultimately scared the mountain lion away is unknown but she did respond to the encounter correctly by not running away, not bending over which can mimmic a four-legged prey animal and maintaining eye contact throughout the tense standoff.
“I was thru-hiking the Continental Divide Trail through New Mexico, and while I was walking and talking on the phone a young cougar was lying down on the trail right in front of me. It popped up and I hung up as fast as I could and started recording. The sound you hear is a harmonica I’d been carrying in my shoulder pocket. I thought if I made a sound it’d never heard before it would opt out of attacking me. I guess it worked?”
United States Forest Service Mountain Lion Encounter Guidelines:
- If you spot a mountain lion and the animal is unaware of you, alter your route so that you will move away from its area.
- Never approach a mountain lion especially one that is feeding or with kittens.
- Most mountain lions will try to avoid confrontation. Always give them a way to escape.Â
- Do not run. Remain calm. Hold your ground or back away slowly.
- Continue facing the mountain lion, and maintain eye contact.
- Do all you can to appear larger; Stand upright, raise your arms, raise your walking stick, open your jacket.
- If you have small children or pets with you, try to pick them up without turning away or bending over.
- Never bend over or crouch down, avoid looking like a four-legged prey animal . Again, Do not bend over to pick up a rock or stick off the ground. This action may trigger a pounce response in a mountain lion.
- If the lion behaves aggressively, wave your arms slowly and speak firmly in a loud voice, and throw objects like the water bottle in your hand. The goal is to convince it that you are not prey and may be dangerous yourself.Â
- Try to remain standing to protect your head and neck.
- If attacked, fight back!! Use rocks, jackets, sticks to turn away the mountain lions.
- Report any mountain lion encounters or incident to the local Ranger District, or Fish and Wildlife Office.