Hobbies And Interests

How to Live With Cougars

Cougars -- also called mountain lions or pumas -- once inhabited all 48 contiguous states. Today, viable populations occur in only 15 states, primarily in the west and southwest. Reclusive and solitary by nature, cougars avoid contact with humans. Encounters, even sightings, are extremely rare. According to the Cougar Fund, a nonprofit organization that protects cougars, since 1890, only 20 people have been killed as a result of an attack. Compare that to the 23 people who died from dog bites in 2003 alone. Though unlikely, negative encounters can be prevented by learning about the behavior of cougars and following simple precautions when at home or at play.

Instructions

  1. Guidelines for Living in Cougar Habitat

    • 1

      Learn about the habits and behavior of cougars. Knowing their behavior provides the best protection for those living in environments where these animals live.

    • 2

      Know your neighborhood and the habitat surrounding your neighborhood. Contact your state fish and wildlife agency to obtain information on wildlife known or likely to inhabit your community.

    • 3

      Deter wildlife from your yard. Use netting or fencing to keep deer or other prey species from your garden. Do not feed any wildlife, including birds, as feed will attract animals cougars may prey upon.

    • 4

      Prune or remove heavy brush and other dense vegetation which cougars may use for hiding.

    • 5

      Keep pets indoors or on a leash. Avoid walking them at dawn and dusk. Feed pets indoors as pet food may attract cougars or their prey.

    • 6

      Fence and protect livestock. Keep them in a barn or shed at night. If there is no barn or shed, keep them in well-lit fenced areas, close to the house.

    • 7

      Install outdoor lighting, preferably with motion sensors, along driveways and walkways.

    • 8

      Keep garbage in secure, animal-proof cans.

    • 9

      Supervise children when they are playing outdoors. Avoid playtime at dawn or dusk, when cougars are actively hunting.

    Guidelines for Recreating in Cougar Habitat

    • 10

      Learn about the habits and behavior of cougars. Knowing their behavior provides the best protection for those recreating in environments where these animals live.

    • 11

      Contact your state fish and wildlife agency to obtain information on wildlife known or likely to inhabiting in the areas where you are recreating.

    • 12

      Avoid recreating at dawn and dusk, peak times for cougars hunting. Be aware of your surroundings at all times.

    • 13

      Recreate in groups and make noise. If alone, carry bear spray or a noisemaker on yourself or with your equipment. Ensure someone knows where you are recreating and when you plan to return home.

    • 14

      Keep pets and children close. Cougars ambush from behind, so ensure your children and pets are ahead of you.

    • 15

      Store food or garbage in animal-proof containers inside your vehicle or hung between two trees, out of reach of cougars and other animals. If camping, sleep at least 100 yards from cooking sites.


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