should i take a knife or mace? what can i do to protect myself? is it likely i could get chewed alive? ill be visiting and i would like to know how to protect myself. thanks.
2007-03-09 20:27:31 · 9 answers · asked by wcarolinew 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Zoology
i would be walking alone. cant go in groups. i dont know anyone who walks as much as i do. thanks.
2007-03-09 20:41:24 · update #1
i guess i shouldnt hike alone? bummer. i hate mountain lions.
2007-03-09 20:44:28 · update #2
Well, I am a wildlife biologist and I have worked in Mountain Lion country many times over the last 7 years (in So. Cal) and I am always alone and have yet to ever lay eyes on one. I see coyotes on a regular basis, at least once a week, and occassionally run into bobcats, but never Mountain Lions. I really would like to see one in the wild but have not yet had the opportunity even though I spend 8-9 hours a day each day outdoors in their habitat. I suppose there could have been a few that saw me without me seeing them. Mountains Lions do not just attack people for no reason. ALL of the attacks in California have been by animals that were either injured and could not hunt and were starving, or were by females that had cubs nearby and were protecting them. I would suggest carrying pepper spray or mace..as it can come in handy for human attacks (probably more likely) as well as animal attacks. Just be cautious, always be aware of your surroundings, and look out for Mountain Lion prints. If approached by a lion...NEVER run, hold your ground. You can back away slowing FACING the lion. Also if you have a jacket, open it up to look bigger. Don't bend over or duck down as this will make you look small like prey. If the lion does not leave fairly quickly or comes towards you, throw rocks at it, yell at it, etc. to scare it away. I think you should be okay as long as you stay alert. Good Luck.
2007-03-10 05:43:56 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
In contradiction to two of the previous responses made by people who know nothing about the behaviorism of large carnivores is that you should never, NEVER run away from a cat. If it is hungry, this will trigger a nearly uncontrollable response in which it will almost definitely attack. Also try to not turn your back on the cat.
But on the bright side: since 1890 in California, there have only been 16 fatalities. So considering the population of California and the number of tourists that come into the state, the odds are very likely that you will leave the state without incident. If you are with a companion, the odds of being attacked drop to basically zero. Nothing to worry about, just be careful and aware of your surroundings. No need to carry weapons. just follow the above instructions and travel with at least one other adult and you will be fine
2007-03-09 21:58:52 · answer #2 · answered by slovakmath 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think the best "gear" to prevent mountain lion attack would be a hiking buddy. Take a cell phone for emergencies. A knife would do you no good, I don't know about mace. Humans aren't the preferred food of mountain lions, but they will attack children and adults that appear to be injured, so don't go walking around like a wounded deer. Also, it might be a good idea to contact the local Fish and Game department, Park Ranger or whatever to find out the level of mountain lion activity. Don't worry too much about being chewed alive. A healthy mountain lion will try to break your neck or bite through your jugular, so you'll be dead before the chewing begins.
2016-03-28 22:29:05 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
about the same as being on a hijacked airplane.....
just carry a porkchop in your pocket. if you get attacked, throw the chop and run.....the lion should go after the easy meal and realize that a worrier tastes bad.
a knife???? really now.....
when you are being mauled....what presence of mind do you think you would have to actually get it out, hold it in your bloody hand and use it against a mountain lion that got the jump on you and most likely is shaking you like a wet dish rag?
be smart and hike with a buddy, carry a cell phone, a hiking stick and pay attention to your surroundings....if it looks like Bambi could get ambushed and eaten there, guess what?....so could you.
2007-03-09 20:39:43 · answer #4 · answered by John K 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The chances are slim to none, unless you are planning to invade the den of a starving cat. Unless you're good at knife work, forget the knife. It will only make the cat mad, probably the mace, too, although that would be strange enough to give you a chance to run, and it's reported to be effective against other southern California predators.
2007-03-09 20:35:58 · answer #5 · answered by Helmut 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well you were to have to either a) disturb it and/or b) invade its territory. i've never encountered one and if i were to i wouldn't be alone. also you have to make yourself look bigger than the lion. it can't attack anything that looks to big for it to eat or hunt. many people get attached because they might have thrown rocks at it when its about 100 ft away and never told anyone that side of the story or tried feeding it. just leave it alone and it will leave you alone. oh! and also dont show fear.
2007-03-09 20:38:06 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i did not hear of any mountain lion and i have never been to california, so the best way is go as a group, if anything happens, you all can help one another.
2007-03-09 20:35:57 · answer #7 · answered by cherylcxy 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
40% chances
2007-03-09 20:34:22 · answer #8 · answered by Erum Mishkat 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
0.00001% is the chance.
2007-03-09 20:34:43 · answer #9 · answered by MJ 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋