Mountain Lion Encounter

[Excaliber]

This would have been another "hiker mauled by mountain lion" story but it ended differently because the intended victim was prepared and willing to defend himself:

https://twitter.com/i/status/1761704591748444262

[JRG]

Wow! That would have had such a different outcome if the guy hadn't had his pistol!

Joe

[carlson1]

Glad he was prepared. I don’t walk out of my house not prepared. Walmart is dangerous.

[C-dub]

Although he didn’t run, I wonder about continuing to retreat like he did versus just standing still. He could have tripped walking backwards like he did and provided an opportunity for that lion to pounce.

[Paladin]

Although he didn’t run, I wonder about continuing to retreat like he did versus just standing still. He could have tripped walking backwards like he did and provided an opportunity for that lion to pounce.

Yep. Backing up on rough ground with staring down a mountain lion is a good way to fall. Safest to move in the direction of your toes in the 5 or 7 o'clock angles. In the 5 o'clock you could potentially keep both hands on the gun... 7 o'clock is strong hand only.

[oohrah]

Big Bend NP recommends shouting and throwing rocks at the lion. Apparently it scares them away.

From the video, the slowly backing away only seemed to encourage the lion.

[philip964]

Somebody told me if you see a mountain lion, it has been watching you for at least a half an hour.

[Rafe]

Although he didn’t run, I wonder about continuing to retreat like he did versus just standing still. He could have tripped walking backwards like he did and provided an opportunity for that lion to pounce.

Yep. Backing up on rough ground with staring down a mountain lion is a good way to fall. Safest to move in the direction of your toes in the 5 or 7 o'clock angles. In the 5 o'clock you could potentially keep both hands on the gun... 7 o'clock is strong hand only.

Yep. Isn't there some sort of mountain lion stand your ground law?

But, yeah; I've always heard that mountain lions prefer to attack from the rear or sides, and displaying your back and trying to run is the absolute worst thing to do. Usain Bolt ain't gonna outrun a mountain lion: they can reach speeds of over 40mph; the fastest Usain was ever clocked at was a smidge over 27. My top speed, on the other hand, is about 3mph. Guns are dandy noise-makers, and if you encounter one it ain't gonna be inside COSTCO. So if you'd rather be big and make noise before actually shooting the feline, I think I'd give it my best Tarzan yell while popping a couple of rounds in front of the cat. 'Course, if you're alone on trail and the critter comes up behind you...no bueno.