What is the best way to defend yourself against a cougar attack in the wilderness?

Question

How likely is it that someone would see a cougar if they spend 30-60 days a year in the NW wilderness?

Answer 1

Do not run. If you are going to be attacked, then hold a knife against your chest that is pointed straight away from you chest (like it is standing up).

Large cats attack with their sternum(bone in the center of the chest.) The thrust a cat's sternum will disable a person. Nearly all cats will run up to a person to gain momentum to successfully attack. (A moving freight train is more deadly than one that is standing still).

http://www.okc.cc.ok.us/biologylabs/Images/Evolimages/lion_skeleton.jpg

Answer 2

I live in the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia and saw a cougar 1/2 mile from my home. I carry a Glock 10mm when I'm outside in case I'm attacked.
Don't believe anyone who tells you a cougar always warns you before attacking. They are predators and sometimes see humans as prey, so they sneak up behind you and try to catch you off guard. They kill by either breaking their prey's neck or suffocating it. If your neck is not broken by the initial bite, you will have about a minute to fight. Shoot it, several times if you have to. If you don't have a gun, try to poke its eyes out or gran a stick, but guns are what works best and that's what I use when my life is on the line.
Your odds of seeing a cougar vary, but the first may be your last, so carry a gun and be ready to use it.

Answer 3

You could spend years in the wilderness and never see one, or you could step outside once, and run right into one. It is difficult to tell you how to avoid an attack, as they are unpredictable, and stealthy. It is not like with bears, where one can seperate themselves from food, and be cautious with odors, announce their presence, etc.. Big cats are hunters, and if you see one, it's more than likely that he's being agressive/hungry, and this is not cool. If you simply stumbled across his path, he'd be LONG gone before you ever saw him. Others have given their advice on how to fight one off, you decide. Knife, gun, stick, it all boils down to how HARD you fight it. In my opinioin, the best way to avoid an attack, is to have a good dog. The dog is going to increase your stature in the cats eyes, and is also going to warn you something isn't right. Generally speaking, unless they're really hungry, or really threatened, they are going to go after easier prey. I spend alot of time in the outdoors, Northern U.S. and I've never fretted much about a cougar attack. Good luck.

Answer 4

A .44 magnum or .357 magnum would be a good choices for defense against cougars.If you are not a fan of guns or cannot afford a gun,than a knife or strong walking stick may be a good choice.If you see a cougar DO NOT RUN,you will most likely be seen as prey and attacked.Pick up a stick throw at its head and holler at it.If you are wearing a jacket use your arms and flare the sides while you are hollering at it.A dog would be a good thing to have.Most dogs will signal you in some way if there is danger.Good luck and keep safe.

Answer 5

They don't give you any warnings when they attack. They're hunters and they stalk their prey, and when you're the prey you wouldn't know until it's got you by the throat. With that said, bring at least a .357 mag

Answer 6

Kill it before it kills you. If you don't, it will kill you. Seeing them is not uncommon. Being attacked by one isn't either. Never go in the woods unarmed. Always be wary and watchful. Carry a big gun.

Answer 7

cougars always give warning of their aproach
move quickly into its direction go for the eyes and maintain strong eye contact ,pick up a branch and hit him over the head,
let him know that you are superior
i have personally done this with lions and they are a lot bigger

Answer 8

grenade

Answer 9

play dead