Protection from Mountain Lions?

Question

I live in Southern California,and I go mountain biking often in rural foothills that are known to have Mt.Lions.There have been attacks recently,one resulted in death.Besides carrying a pistol,what other types of protection could I carry?

Answer 1

Mountain lions are stalkers. They are going to see you LONG before you see them. If it wants to attack you, he'll be attacking you before you even know he's there, and before you can even react to grab your pistol.

Just know the rules:

Don't make eye contact.
Back away slowly.
Don't run!! If you act like prey, you'll be treated like prey.
Don't turn your back to him.
Don't crouch or bend over.
Make yourself look bigger... either by opening your jacket above you like wings, or holding your bike up.
If you do all these things and he still acts "agressive", or continues to approach, start throwing things. Use your bike to protect you. Don't try to outride it - you won't be able to.

Answer 2

I do a lot of wilderness hiking and camping in our western states.

Not trying to sound like an alarmist. But the mountain lion is the one animal I fear the most.

Unlike bear they very seldom will make a frontal assault on their prey. Usually attacks will come from the side or rear. And very quickly. The head and throat of their prey will get the first strike. Thus a good helmet is a good idea.

For a weapon? A short barreled .357 magnum is my choice. In a shoulder holster!
You would not have time to un holster one that is waist mounted. You might be able to
use the one on your shoulder.

Of course always trying to ride with others is the best protection-staying close together.

It is ironic. Since California stopped the hunting of mountain lions the state conservation department kills more each year than hunters with permits ever did.

Answer 3

Well a .22 pistol would do the job just fine, that's what I take when I go hiking. You wouldn't kill it but it would startle it enough to scare him away. If you don't want to use a firearm use mace, or carry a knife the more protection you have the better your chances of survival. If you see a mountain lion chances are he is stalking you, a mountain lion knows you are there long before you know it is there, and if it hasn't taken cover or left it most likely sees you as it's next meal. So if you do see one leave immediately and get somewhere safe as soon as possible, but do it in a calm relaxed manner. But again I would definately recommend a firearm.

Answer 4

Nothing other than a firearm will protect you. Carry something that is capable of at least .38 Special +P , preferably a 4 " barrel .357 mag. revolver loaded with 125 gr. Remington JHP.

Answer 5

GET A MOSSBERG 500 COMBO , USE THE 18.5 " BARREL WITH THE PISTOL GRIP LOAD WITH 3" 00 BUCK SHOT . ITS EASIER TO USE IN THE FACT THAN A PISTOL , HAS TO BE AIMED EXACTLY ON TARGET , WHILE THE SHOT GUN JUST POINTED FAIRLY CLOSE WILL HIT THE CAT . A 3" - 00 HAS AROUND 10 BALLS OF LEAD THE SIZE OF A 38 CAL., IN OTHER WORDS LIKE SHOOTING 10 -38'S AT ONE TIME . AND IT PROBABLE WOULD BE HARDER FOR YOU TO GET A PERMIT TO PACK A PISTOL IN CALIFORNIA IF NOT IMPOSSIBLE . WITH THE SHOTGUN SLUNG OVER YOUR SHOULDER ,YOU DON'T NEED A PERMIT IN MOST PLACES .IT'S YOUR CALL , BUT WITHOUT ANYTHING THE CAT WILL WIN

Answer 6

.357 Magnum would work as well as .45ACP. Just do not miss the head. DO NOT use a .22. That will just piss him off. Bear mace might do the trick. I would feel much safer with a sidearm though as last resort.

Answer 7

here's the thing.....can you really get out your gun or mace w/ a mountain lion chewing on your head????maybe.....are you permitted to shoot a mountain lion that is not attacking????no

use the buddy system....lions usually attack people who are alone, rarely in twos.....never hear about it w/ groups....they go for the weak/defenseless & if you are one they see opportunity....it's good to be optimistic, but why give opportunity when it can easily be avoided?

we like our freedom to come & go by ourselves -- & there's a mountain lion out there waiting for easy prey right now....

Answer 8

if you dont want to carry a firearm.. wonder if bear mace would work on cats

Answer 9

You could try pepper spray, or a big pointed stick.