← Wild Animal Encounters: What to Do to Survive
Lesson
Lesson 2. Wild cats: here you look them in the eye
Remember the “cat” exception: eye contact, height, and noise — and never play dead in front of a cat.
An ambush doesn't like witnesses
Lynx, mountain lion, and other cats
Wild cats are ambush hunters: they attack from behind and only go after someone who looks like prey. A fair fight doesn't pay for them. Hence rules that are the opposite of the “bear” rules.
LOOK the cat in the eye. To a cat, meeting your gaze means “I see you — the ambush is blown,” and the attack is almost always called off. Stand at your full height, hold your jacket or pack up over your head, and shout low and loud. Back away slowly, facing the animal.
What not to do: crouch, bend down, or turn your back — to a cat, a silhouette “on all fours” and the back of your neck equal prey; running is even more out of the question. Pick up a child slowly, bending no lower than you must. If a mountain lion (cougar, puma) does attack, fight back: rocks, sticks, fingers in the eyes — people fight off mountain lions regularly. Playing dead in front of a cat means becoming food.
In northern forests, the lynx almost never attacks people: seeing one is a rare stroke of luck, not a threat. The exceptions are the usual ones: rabies, being cornered, and kittens. If you find lynx kittens, don't touch them and leave: their mother is watching you right now.
Lesson notes
Lynx, mountain lion, and other cats
Wild cats are ambush hunters: they attack from behind and only go after someone who looks like prey. A fair fight doesn't pay for them. Hence rules that are the opposite of the “bear” rules.
LOOK the cat in the eye. To a cat, meeting your gaze means “I see you — the ambush is blown,” and the attack is almost always called off. Stand at your full height, hold your jacket or pack up over your head, and shout low and loud. Back away slowly, facing the animal.
What not to do: crouch, bend down, or turn your back — to a cat, a silhouette “on all fours” and the back of your neck equal prey; running is even more out of the question. Pick up a child slowly, bending no lower than you must. If a mountain lion (cougar, puma) does attack, fight back: rocks, sticks, fingers in the eyes — people fight off mountain lions regularly. Playing dead in front of a cat means becoming food.
In northern forests, the lynx almost never attacks people: seeing one is a rare stroke of luck, not a threat. The exceptions are the usual ones: rabies, being cornered, and kittens. If you find lynx kittens, don't touch them and leave: their mother is watching you right now.