Wild scene from Alberta where a mountain biker encountered a massive mountain lion walking down the middle of a trail.
JF Ravenelle was riding at the Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park, the nordic ski events venue for the 1988 Calgary Olympic Games, when he came upon the lion sauntering down the path. Ravenelle slammed on the brakes and apex predator gave him a quick glance before disappearing into the surrounding forest. Ravenelle did not test his luck continuing his ride and turned around immediately. He jokingly said he set a few “personal speed records” getting back to the trailhead.
Ravenelle did the right thing by not turning his back and fleeing which may stimulate a mountain lion’s instinct to chase. Instead he stood facing the animal and only retreatede once it had left the path. Learn more about mountain lion safety in Alberta below.
Alberta Cougar Safety Guidelines:
If you encounter a cougar
Cougars and humans
- Cougars are elusive and prefer to avoid contact with humans, so attacks on humans are very rare.
- The few cougar incidents with humans that have occurred typically involved children playing outside alone or adults who are jogging, skiing or hiking alone.
- Cougars may confuse children for prey species because, like many small prey species, children are small, make quick, erratic movements and have high-pitched voices.
- Most cougar incidents in Alberta involve pets. Cougars see domestic cats and dogs as easy prey. When bringing your dog along on a hike, camping or fishing trip, keep in mind that it may attract a cougar.
- If hungry and malnourished, cougars will feed on such things as carrion or dog/cat food left in backyards, increasing the risk of human-cougar incidents.
Cougars encounters
If you see a cougar at a distance:
Cougars grooming or periodically looking away from you may simply be resting. In this case, avoid provoking the cougar:
- Bring everyone in close and back away.
- Do not run and do not turn your back.
- Prepare to use your bear spray.
If the cougar is closer:
Cougars close and showing such behaviours as hissing, snarling, staring intensely and tracking your movements present a threat. You must show the cougar you are not a prey animal and you are able to fight back:
- Do not run. Do not turn your back.
- Make sure children and dogs stay calm. Keep them very close.
- Make yourself look big. Wave your arms, open your jacket and do not crouch down or bend over.
- Use your noise deterrent and bear spray.
If the cougar makes contact
Never play dead with a cougar.
Continue using your bear spray.
Fight back with everything you can. Rocks, sticks or your fists should be aimed at the cougar’s eyes and face.
If you’re knocked down, get back up. Do not stop fighting.