Mountain lions, also known as cougars, pumas, panthers, or catamounts, are large wild cats that inhabit mountains, forests, and deserts across western North America. With their stealthy hunting skills, intimidating size, and reputation as predators, mountain lions often strike fear into the hearts of hikers, campers, and anyone spending time in mountain lion territory.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: No, mountain lions are not friendly to humans. They are solitary, elusive predators that should be admired from a safe distance.
In this approximately 3000 word article, we will take an in-depth look at mountain lion behavior and provide a comprehensive answer to the question: are mountain lions friendly? We will examine mountain lion interactions with humans, their predatory instincts, how to stay safe in mountain lion country, and more.
Mountain Lion Behavior and Instincts
Solitary and elusive
Mountain lions are solitary creatures that prefer to hunt and travel alone, except for mothers with cubs. They are elusive animals that are rarely seen by humans. Mountain lions have large home ranges of 50 to 150 square miles, and will travel great distances in search of prey.
Though they occasionally cross paths, mountain lions actively avoid each other outside of mating. Females will fiercely defend their territory from other females to protect their cubs. Males have larger home ranges that can overlap with several females’ territories.
This allows them to find mating opportunities, while reducing competition with other males.
Skillful hunters and predators
Mountain lions are carnivores and skilled hunters. Their exceptional vision, hearing and sense of smell help them detect prey. They primarily hunt large mammals like deer, elk and wild sheep, but will also eat smaller animals if needed.
Mountain lions are ambush predators and use stealth and camouflage to stalk close before pouncing on prey. They kill prey with a bite to the neck or head. Mountain lions drag the carcass to a secluded area and can feed on it for a week or more before hunting again.
On average, each lion kills one large animal every 9-14 days. Mountain lions play an important ecological role as top predators that help regulate deer and elk populations.
Territory and interactions with other mountain lions
Mountain lions are territorial and actively maintain and defend their home ranges. They mark territory with claw marks on trees, feces and urine to communicate presence to other lions. Most mountain lion interactions are between males competing for breeding rights.
These disputes typically involve loud noises and intimidation, but can sometimes lead to violent, deadly fights. Female mountain lions are less tolerant of other females in their territory than males are of other males.
Mothers with cubs are the most aggressive lions and will fiercely defend their young. Overall though, mountain lions limit violent confrontations through their nomadic nature and spacing out across large swaths of isolated wilderness habitat.
Documented Mountain Lion Attacks on Humans
Circumstances of most attacks
Mountain lion attacks on humans are rare, but they do happen. According to wildlife experts, most attacks have occurred during situations where the human was alone, bending over, or running. This can trigger the mountain lion’s instinct to chase. Children are also at higher risk of attack.
From 1890 to 2018, there were 167 documented mountain lion attacks on humans across North America. Let’s take a closer look at when and why these attacks took place.
The majority of attacks happened when the human was alone or with a child. Being by yourself in an isolated area increases risk. Attacks also frequently occurred when the victim was bending over or crouching down. This can cause the cougar to mistake a human for typical four-legged prey.
Jogging, hiking, or running can also trigger a mountain lion’s instinct to give chase.
Most attacks have happened in wilderness areas near mountain lion habitat. However, some attacks have also occurred near urban areas as lion populations recover and expand. Experts advise being extra cautious when recreating alone in areas known to have mountain lions.
Making noise, keeping children close, and traveling in groups can help reduce risk.
Fatalities statistics
While scary, the number of fatalities from mountain lion attacks is relatively low. From 1890 through 2018 across North America, there were 27 total confirmed deaths from cougar attacks. California has had the most deaths with 11, while British Columbia in Canada has had 5.
The number of fatal attacks each year has declined recently, with fewer than 1 per year in the 2000s. Compare this to the late 1800s and early 1900s when there were sometimes 5 or more annually. Conservation efforts and relocations likely explain the downward trend.
Still, experts advise caution as populations rebound and more people recreate in wilderness areas.
Children and solitary adults face the highest risk of fatality. 16 of the 27 total deaths were children under 18. 10 deaths were lone adults. Only 1 death involved someone with another companion present. Exercising caution in cougar country, especially with children, is wise.
Injuries from non-fatal attacks
While human fatalities are relatively rare, injuries from non-fatal cougar attacks happen more frequently. From 1980 to 2019 there were 225 mountain lion attacks on humans across North America resulting in injury. California had the most with 141 total attacks.
Injuries range from minor scratches and bruises to more severe bites and claw wounds. Mountain lions frequently target the head and neck, with many injuries occurring on the face, throat, and scalp. These attacks are not usually predatory, but defensive in nature.
Playing dead and fighting back with sticks or rocks has proven effective in curtailing attacks.
Like with fatalities, children are most vulnerable to injuries. More than half of injuries from 1995 to 2019 were on children. Adult joggers and hikers accounted for the next highest frequency. Exercising caution in known mountain lion habitat can help prevent injuries.
Myths and Misconceptions About Mountain Lions
Mountain lions do not see humans as prey
Contrary to popular belief, mountain lions are not inherently inclined to see humans as prey. In fact, studies show that mountain lions tend to avoid confrontation with humans whenever possible. Though capable hunters, mountain lions prefer to eat deer, elk and other wild prey over humans.
Attacks on people are extremely rare, with fewer than 20 fatalities in North America in more than 100 years. So while caution is always wise in mountain lion territory, there’s no need to fear these big cats as bloodthirsty maneaters.
They are not bloodthirsty killers
Mountain lions are often portrayed as vicious killers in movies and folklore, but in reality, they are timid and usually choose flight over fight. Mountain lions prefer to ambush prey and attack the neck swiftly, killing quickly and efficiently.
They are not known to toy with victims or kill for sport. While a cornered mountain lion may attack a human in self-defense, generally they avoid areas of high human activity. With habitat loss and encroachment, encounters are becoming more common, but maulings remain incredibly rare.
So don’t believe the hype – mountain lions are not crazed bloodthirsty beasts!
Killing livestock or pets does not mean they will attack humans
It’s understandable for ranchers to be concerned when mountain lions prey on livestock or pets. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean those big cats pose a direct threat to humans. Mountain lions are opportunistic hunters, and pets and livestock are often easier targets than wild deer or elk.
Attacks may occur when mountain lions encounter humans while searching for food rather than intentionally stalking people. Simple precautions like securing livestock at night and supervising pets outdoors can greatly reduce the chances of conflict.
Lethal removal of mountain lions should always be a last resort, as those cats are not hunting humans on purpose.
The chances of ever encountering a mountain lion are extremely slim. But if you do find yourself face-to-face with one of these big cats, stay calm. Don’t run or turn your back. Make noise, wave your arms, and try to appear larger.
In most cases, the mountain lion will simply wander off in search of easier prey. With a little knowledge, we can coexist peacefully with these magnificent creatures we once called “ghost cats”.
Safety Tips for Mountain Lion Country
Travel in groups and keep children close
When adventuring in mountain lion habitat, it’s vital to take precautions. Travel in groups of 3 or more whenever possible, and keep children within arm’s reach at all times. Mountain lions are ambush predators less likely to attack large groups.
Sticking together sends the message you are not easy prey. Be extra vigilant at dawn and dusk when lions hunt. Make noise while hiking to avoid surprising them, and keep dogs leashed and close by your side.
Never approach a mountain lion
Coming face-to-face with a mountain lion can be terrifying, but never run away or approach the animal. Running may trigger chase instincts. Instead, face the lion calmly, make steady eye contact, and back away slowly to give it space.
Raise your arms and open your jacket to appear larger if you have small children. Pick children up so they don’t run. Speak firmly in a loud voice and throw stones or branches to intimidate it if necessary. The key is showing you are strong and not defenseless.
Fight back if attacked
Lion attacks on people are extremely rare, but they do happen. According to California Department of Fish and Wildlife (source), there were 6 mountain lion attacks between 1986 and 2014. If one attacks, the DFW recommends fighting back with anything at hand – rocks, sticks, jackets, garden tools, even bare hands.
Aim for the eyes and snout. Don’t run or play dead. In one case, a woman beat back an attacking lion by striking it repeatedly in the head with a telescope. She suffered minor injuries, but the aggressive response likely saved her life.
Remove food attractants from campsites
Careless handling of food often brings mountain lions uncomfortably close in search of an easy meal. Maintaining clean campsites is key to avoiding surprise visits. Never keep food, coolers, trash, pet food/bowls, or scented items in your tent or sleeping area.
Store them securely in hard-sided vehicles if camping in lion country. Wipe down tables after meals and keep all food sealed in bear-resistant containers. Lions also come looking if they catch scent of cooking food or hear rustling of food packaging.
Whenever possible, store food away from sites and prepare meals at community areas with other campers nearby for safety.
Final Verdict: Mountain Lions Are Not Friendly to Humans
After reviewing the available information on mountain lion behavior and interactions with humans, the verdict is clear – mountain lions are not friendly to humans. Here are the key reasons why:
Wild Animals See Humans as Threats
Mountain lions are wild animals that have evolved to be wary of any potential threats. Humans are much larger than their natural prey, so mountain lions tend to view us as predators rather than friends. Instinct tells them to avoid humans whenever possible.
They do not have any natural tendency to bond with or affection for us the way domesticated pets do.
Attacks on Humans Are Rare but Dangerous
While mountain lion attacks on people are relatively rare, they do happen periodically. According to California Department of Fish and Wildlife, there were 17 verified mountain lion attacks on humans in the state between 1986 and 2014, including three fatalities.
Attacks have occurred in other states as well, showing they can be extremely dangerous when they do happen.
They Are Powerful Hunters and Killers
Mountain lions are strong predators designed to hunt and kill prey like deer. An average adult male can weigh up to 150 pounds and females up to 115 pounds. They have powerful legs that allow them to jump 18 feet vertically and 40-45 feet horizontally.
Their jaws and claws are capable of inflicting fatal wounds. Clearly, they are biologically hardwired for aggression, not companionship.
No Evidence They Form Bonds with Humans
There are no verified reports of mountain lions demonstrating real affection toward humans. Cases where they seem tolerant of people are likely due to being accustomed to humans through habitat encroachment, not actual friendship.
They may appear “friendly” when young, but their predatory instincts take over as they mature. Developing trusting bonds with humans goes against their fundamental wild nature.
Best to Appreciate from a Distance
The evidence shows mountain lions are not wired to be “man’s best friend.” They are formidable predators that view humans as strangers at best, and prey or threats at worst. While they deserve respect and protection, it’s wisest to appreciate mountain lions from a safe distance rather than assume they will ever be truly friendly.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while beautiful and awe-inspiring creatures, mountain lions are not friendly to humans. They are solitary predators that will instinctively see humans as potential prey in the wrong circumstances.
However, attacks are rare, and there are many precautions we can take to recreate and live safely in mountain lion habitats. With knowledge and proper respect for these wild cats, we can admire mountain lions from a distance and minimize any chance of a dangerous encounter.