If you have spent any time hiking the trails in RMNP you have been in the presense of a felis concolor or known as the mountain lion, cougar, puma, panther or catamount. More than likely you were observed from a rocky cliff above you or a glimpse thru the trees as north america's largest cat (except in Texas where jaguars occasionally are sighted) was in pursuit of much smaller prey. They like all wild animals try to make life as easy as possible and attacking a human is not making life easier for them. The number of Mountain Lion attacks does not warrant one to fear them but respect and understand them and realize that RMNP is your vacation but it is their home. Here is some advice when visiting mtn. lion country, do not take them a meal, so leave your little dog, cat or any other pet at home or in your car or RV. Children should never be allowed to be alone on a trail or anywhere in the park, adult supervision at all times could prevent a problem....but keep in mind that you or your family is more likely be struck by lightning than mauled by a rocky mtn. puma. Big dogs will many times keep cougars away but of course they are not allowed on the trails in the park. The chances of seeing a cougar before it sees you is slim to none, usually when the cat sees you they will slink into the forest and within moments they are a good distance away. There is no reason to ever be afraid to hike in cougar country but always be ready with these tips in case you are one of the few that has seen a cougar in RMNP. Be big by waving your arms or stretching your jacket out and above your head. Yell really loud..cougars do not like a lot of noise unless thay are making it and rocks or sticks thrown in their direction will usually give them the hint. If some reason you are attacked never give up and fight, fight, fight...a kick to the ribs right behind their shoulders will knock the wind out of them and they may give you that moment to escape and flee. If you are one of the chosen ones to see a mountain lion in rocky rejoice, and take as many pictures as possible..............true advice....rfr
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Vacationing with Mountain Lions
Started by Guest_RFR_*, Dec 27 2008 09:06 PM
6 replies to this topic
#2
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Head of Research and Non-Development
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Posted 27 December 2008 - 10:30 PM
Great advice, RFR. Info everyone should know, even if they don't ever have to use it!
SandyM
(Glad you're posting!!)
SandyM
(Glad you're posting!!)
#3
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other half of the set <><
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Favorite RMNP Hike: Wild Basin Area
Posted 28 December 2008 - 04:54 PM
Good stuff, Larry. I am glad you are back, too.
Allie
Allie
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Big Dork
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Posted 28 December 2008 - 06:07 PM
Good info/tips 
--Aaron
--Aaron
#5 Guest_RFR_*
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Posted 30 December 2008 - 01:43 PM
Thanks..Im planning on doing a follow up vacationing with bears.....true plan...rfr
#6
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Information Minister
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Favorite RMNP Hike: The top
Posted 30 December 2008 - 09:14 PM
QUOTE (RFR @ Dec 30 2008, 12:43 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thanks..Im planning on doing a follow up vacationing with bears.....true plan...rfr
Hmmm, I'm wondering about what to do when I see a coyote begging at the roadside.
I once left B.L. parking lot and right after the first sharp switchback, where one is going real slow, a coyote wanders out in the road right in front of me. Of course I came to a stop but then the coyote came around to my window and I figured it out, so I started going again and be danged if that coyote didn't run ahead of me and get in front of the car again. Well, I stopped and he came around to my window again but this time I gunned it and he got the idea.
#7 Guest_RFR_*
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Posted 30 December 2008 - 09:45 PM
QUOTE (Igloo Ed @ Dec 31 2008, 12:14 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hmmm, I'm wondering about what to do when I see a coyote begging at the roadside.
I once left B.L. parking lot and right after the first sharp switchback, where one is going real slow, a coyote wanders out in the road right in front of me. Of course I came to a stop but then the coyote came around to my window and I figured it out, so I started going again and be danged if that coyote didn't run ahead of me and get in front of the car again. Well, I stopped and he came around to my window again but this time I gunned it and he got the idea.
I once left B.L. parking lot and right after the first sharp switchback, where one is going real slow, a coyote wanders out in the road right in front of me. Of course I came to a stop but then the coyote came around to my window and I figured it out, so I started going again and be danged if that coyote didn't run ahead of me and get in front of the car again. Well, I stopped and he came around to my window again but this time I gunned it and he got the idea.
Thanks Ed...people feeding wild animals is the cruelest thing that they can do to them....rfr
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