Essential
What to Do in a Cougar Encounter
Cougar encounters are fundamentally different from bear encounters. The response is simpler but the stakes are high. Never play dead. Never run. Never crouch down.
Cougars Are Not Bears
With bears, the response depends on species and behavior (defensive vs predatory). With cougars, the response is always the same: be big, be loud, fight back. Cougars are ambush predators. If a cougar is approaching you, it is not being defensive. It is assessing you as prey.
The good news: cougar attacks on adults who face the animal and fight back are rarely fatal. Cougars target vulnerability. Remove the vulnerability and the cougar often disengages.
If You See a Cougar at a Distance
Stop. Do not approach. Give the cougar space and a clear escape route.
Make yourself look large. Raise your arms overhead. Open your jacket wide. Stand on a rock or log if possible.
Pick up small children immediately. A small child looks like prey. Put them on your shoulders.
Do not run. Do not turn your back. Maintain eye contact.
Back away slowly while facing the cougar. Speak firmly and loudly.
If with a group, stay together. Group up shoulder to shoulder to appear larger.
If a Cougar Is Approaching or Stalking You
Signs: the cougar is crouching low, ears flattened, tail twitching, eyes locked on you, moving toward you, or circling. This is predatory behavior.
DO NOT RUN. Running triggers the chase instinct. Cougars can sprint at 80 km/h.
Face the cougar directly. Make aggressive eye contact. You want it to see you as a threat, not prey.
Shout, scream, roar. Use the deepest, loudest voice you can. Bang rocks together. Blow a whistle.
Throw rocks, sticks, water bottles, anything you can reach. Aim for the face. Do not crouch down to pick things up.
If you have bear spray, use it. Bear spray is effective against cougars at close range.
Do not crouch or bend down. This makes you look smaller and more vulnerable.
If a Cougar Attacks
NEVER play dead with a cougar. Ever.
Playing dead works for defensive grizzly encounters because the bear is trying to neutralize a perceived threat. A cougar is not defending itself. It is hunting. Playing dead confirms to the cougar that its attack is working.
Fight back with everything you have. This is a survival situation.
Target the eyes and nose. These are the most sensitive areas.
Use any weapon available: rocks, sticks, trekking poles, knife, keys, fists.
Stay on your feet. If knocked down, get back up immediately.
Protect your neck and throat. Cougars typically target the back of the neck.
Do not stop fighting. People who fight back aggressively survive cougar attacks at high rates.
Children and Pets
Children are at higher risk. Their small size and quick, unpredictable movements make them look like prey. In cougar country, keep children within arm's reach at all times. Never let them run ahead on the trail.
Dogs can attract cougars. An off-leash dog may chase a cougar, then run back to you with the cougar in pursuit. Keep dogs on leash in cougar country.
Dawn and dusk are peak activity times. Cougars are crepuscular hunters. Be especially vigilant during the first and last hours of daylight.
Quick Reference
Always Do
- ✓ Face the cougar
- ✓ Make yourself big
- ✓ Make loud noise
- ✓ Fight back if attacked
- ✓ Pick up children
- ✓ Stay in groups
Never Do
- ✕ Run away
- ✕ Turn your back
- ✕ Play dead
- ✕ Crouch or bend down
- ✕ Approach the cougar
- ✕ Let children run ahead
This guide is informed by BC Conservation Officer Service cougar safety guidelines, Parks Canada wildlife safety resources, and field research from wildlife biologists. It is not a substitute for proper safety training. Always carry bear spray in cougar country.