BRITISH COLUMBIA, Canada – A Canadian man managed to escape a mountain lion attack while working near Smithers, British Columbia, on Saturday by punching the animal in the face.
The Conservation Officer Service is currently investigating the attack which occurred around 11am on July 26th in the Lake Kathlyn area. The cougar apparently approached the man and swiped at his upper body. The man told Conservation Officers (CO’s) that punching the animal in the face caused it to disengage.
The man did not require medical treatment in hospital and only received non-life threatening injuries. The CO’s went to the area but were unable to locate the mountain lion. A live trap was deployed and CO’s returned to the area with hounds the following morning but were still unable to locate the animal.
Subadult mountain lions, independent of their mothers, are most likely to come into conflict with humans. If you encounter a cougar in the wild, stay calm and do not run. Make yourself look as large as possible and back away slowly. Read more on mountain lion safety below.
B.C. Mountain Lion Safety:
Avoid encounters: Don’t walk alone and make noise to avoid surprising mountain lions (especially near loud water or in high winds where sound doesn’t carry well).
Stay aware: Keep pets leashed, avoid headphones, and avoid hiking during dawn/dusk or in areas with poor visibility.
If you see a mountain lion: Stay calm, don’t run, and make yourself look large while slowly backing away.
Keep kids safe: Pick up small children and pets. Keep older children in front of you and calm.
Don’t provoke: Never turn your back or make sudden movements. This may trigger an attack.
Understand warnings: A mountain lion may hiss or growl when defensive. This is a signal to back off.
Maintain eye contact: Speak in a loud, firm voice and keep the mountain lion in view and ready bear spray if available.
If followed or threatened: Act aggressively, yell, make noise, and prepare to defend yourself. Never play dead.
If attacked: Fight back using anything available. Focus on the mountain lion’s face and eyes. Use bear spray if possible.
Avoid mountain lion kittens: Never approach or handle them. Leave the area immediately as the mother may be nearby.
