Mountain lion attacks are very rare. Only around 29 cases of fatal mountain lion attacks have occurred in North America since 1868 for an average of about 0.18 fatal attacks per year. For comparison, lightning strikes kill about 20 people per year in the United States. But those recreating in mountain lion territory should still always be prepared for a dangerous encounter.
Alberta is home to an estimated 2,050 mountain lions, with populations highly concentrated in the mountains, foothills, and southern boreal forest. While male cougars are typically solitary, female cougars will travel with their kittens until they reach around one or two years old. Young male cougars can grow larger than their mothers during this time and are occasionally confused as breeding partners, but the mothers will still act to protect their offspring.
The exact relationship between the two mountain lions in this clip is impossible to tell, but something sparked one of them to attack. It could have been an attempt to protect young or it could have been that the animal’s attack instinct was triggered for one reason or another.
The trail runner in this video acted fairly well given the intensity of the situation, though traveling alone in the backcountry when in mountain lion territory is never recommended. He remained calm, preparing his bear spray while continuing to slowly move along the trail. If you encounter a mountain lion you should keep facing the animal while backing away slowly, avoiding any sudden movements that might trigger an attack.
Alberta Parks Mountain Lion Safety Guidelines:
Hiking and Working in Cougar Country
- If possible, never travel alone in the backcountry; keep your group together at all times.
- Keep children close at hand.
- Check with your local Alberta Environment and Parks office about wildlife sightings before your trip.
- Be aware of your surroundings; learn to recognize signs of cougar activity such as tracks, scat and markings.
- Avoid areas where carcasses have been left; be aware that cougars often cover their kills with forest debris.
- Carry a walking stick and pepper spray (make sure you know how to properly use pepper spray).
- Make noise to alert cougars to your presence.
- It is best to leave your pet at home, however if you do travel with a pet, keep it on a leash at all times.
- If you come across cougar kittens, leave them alone and immediately leave the area; a mother cougar will aggressively defend her young
If You See a Cougar
- Never approach a cougar; although they will normally avoid confrontation, they are unpredictable.
- Always leave room for a cougar to easily escape.
- Immediately pick up your children; children frighten easily and may run, triggering an attack.
- Don’t turn your back on a cougar; face the cougar and slowly back away.
- Don’t run or play dead; try to back away slowly (running, or any sudden movement, may trigger an attack).
- Stay calm; talk to the cougar in a strong, firm voice.
- Make yourself appear as large as possible by holding your arms or an object above your head.
If a Cougar is Aggressive
- Try to appear as if you are the predator rather than the prey; actions such as shouting, waving a stick or throwing rocks may help prevent an attack.
- If a cougar does attack, fight back! People have survived by using their bare fists, sticks, fishing rods, rocks and other items to fend off a cougar attack.
