Mountain Lion Safety: Information for Outdoor Enthusiasts

Mountain lions are usually quiet and elusive and sightings are uncommon, according to the Mountain Lion Foundation’s latest report issued in January 2025. It is even rare for hikers, lumberjacks and others who spend significant time in the woods and outdoors to spot them. However, sightings and encounters do occur, as we saw in the 2024 encounter with a Washington state cyclist and similar but fatal attack the same year in California. 

 

Even though they are rare, it is important to prepare ahead of time and stay vigilant when hiking in mountain lion territories.

 

Unsplash: Priscilla Du Preez

Are mountain lions the same as cougars?

Mountain lions are also called cougars, pumas, panthers and catamounts. You might wonder, how big is a mountain lion? The short answer: very big! Mountain lions are the second largest member of the cat family, after the jaguar. The animals can grow to be as large as 30 inches in height at the shoulder and eight feet long from nose to tail. They usually weigh between 75-175 pounds. (Source: National Park Service) 

 

A mountain lion's size is only part of what makes it a deadly predator. They have excellent night vision and can discern details in a much lower light than humans. They also boast sensitive hearing. However, they have a weak sense of smell. This is common among the cat species, where they evolved with shorter muzzles that increased biting power but decreased the sense of smell. 

 

Like their cousin housecats who seem to pounce out of nowhere, mountain lions surprise their prey with an ability to leap as high as 18 feet vertically and cover 40 feet horizontally in one bound. What’s more, they can sprint at speeds of up to 40 to 50 miles per hour. 

Is the mountain lion population growing?

The national mountain lion population is not generally increasing, though figures are difficult to confirm; however, some areas are experiencing slight population growth. Increased sightings, particularly in more populous areas, can be attributed in part to the encroachment of human activity - such as housing and commercial land development - into their habitats and are typically the result of a younger animal that has been left to fend for itself.

Where do mountain lions live?

Mountain Lions can survive in a variety of habitats, including high mountains, deserts, and swamps. Originally, mountain lions roamed throughout North and South America. Today in North America, lion populations are primarily limited to British Columbia, Alberta, the twelve westernmost states in the U.S., and the Florida Everglades.

 

That said, as human activity increases, they’ve had to retreat to rugged terrain that remains largely uninhabited, as their habitat must provide an adequate prey base as well as cover for hunting. This migration is likely why they are showing up in areas where mountain lions were not previously inhabiting, such as the first sighting in more than 100 years in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan in early-2025.

 

 

What do I do if I see a mountain lion?

Most mountain lion sightings occur at a distance around dawn or dusk. While they can be unpredictable and dangerous, they do not generally attack pets, livestock, or people. The animal is focused on its prey - primarily deer. However, if you see a mountain lion, stay calm and hold your ground or back away slowly. Do not try to approach or pet the animal as either action is certain to result in injury or death. Most mountain lions will try to avoid a confrontation, so give them a way to escape.

 

Additionally, do not run or crouch down. Running may stimulate the mountain lion’s instinct to hunt and chase. Instead, stand and face it. Make eye contact. If you have small children, pick them up so they do not panic and run, but do so without turning away from the lion or bending over. While mountain lions do not generally recognize a human as prey, a person squatting or crouching might look similar to a four-legged prey animal.

What happens if a mountain lion moves toward me?

As with any animal encounter, stay calm. This starts by knowing in advance if you will be in an outdoor area known for mountain lions and creating a safety plan.

If a mountain lion approaches you, the National Parks Services recommends doing everything possible to appear intimidating. This might look like, 

• Attempting to appear larger by raising your arm, waving them slowly and speaking in a firm, loud voice. 
• If that does not scare it, without crouching or turning around, throw stones, branches or whatever you can reach in its direction but not directly at it. Aim for the ground in front of the mountain lion. (Read more from NPS on how to grab items without bending down.)

 

The goal at this stage is to convince the mountain lion you are not prey and that you might be a danger to it.

 

If the animal continues to progress toward you, the National Park Service says to begin throwing things AT it. Aim for its body as accurately as possible. This is the point at which you would have your SABRE Frontiersman MAX Bear and Mountain Lion Spray out of its holster and ready to spray at the lion.

What do I do during a mountain lion attack?

Fight back as hard as you can! The National Parks Service shares stories of a hiker who used rocks to fend off a mountain lion that attacked his son, and others who fought with sticks, caps, jackets, garden tools, and even their bare hands. “Since a mountain lion usually tries to bite the head or neck, try to remain standing and face the attacking animal,” said the National Park Service website. “Also, if you have a backpack, try to position it to serve as body armor or a shield.”

Does bear spray work on mountain lions? 

Yes, SABRE FRONTIERSMAN XTRA, the first and only bear & mountain lion deterrent spray designed specifically to deter aggressive animal encounters does work on mountain lions. If you're wondering how to deter mountain lions effectively, this is your best defense in the wild. This 2-in-1 bear and mountain lion spray can cause intense burning, temporary blindness, and difficulty breathing, which disrupts the mountain lion’s attack, giving you an opportunity to retreat to safety. Make sure you retreat walking backwards, maintain eye contact, or eyes on the mountain lion.

 

The following are tips on how to use a 2-in-1 bear & mountain lion spray during a mountain lion encounter: 

1. Check the expiration date before you go: Over time, the propellant inside the canister can degrade and reduce the spray’s range, pressure and overall effectiveness. An expired canister may not deploy properly when you need it most, potentially leaving you vulnerable in a dangerous encounter. Most bear spray products are effective for about three years from their manufacture date. The expiration date is usually printed on the bottom or side of the canister. 
2. Have it ready: Keep your spray in an accessible chest or belt holder, not buried in your gear.
3. Know the wind direction: Position yourself upwind to prevent the spray from blowing back at you.
4. Remove the safety clip: Practice this before heading into mountain lion territory. 
5. Aim low and spray: Aim for the animal’s face and depress the nozzle continuously until it creates a cloud.

 

The effective range of bear spray is typically 25-30 feet, with SABRE Frontiersman MAX deployable up to 40 feet. It is the only EPA-approved bear and mountain lion spray to deter both groups of animals and is created with 2.0% Major Capsaicinoids (the strongest formula allowed by law).  

 

Don’t wait until the lion is attacking you to begin using bear spray. Spray the animal until it retreats or you reach a safe location. 

How can I deter mountain lions?

• Travel in a group: Mountain lions are far less likely to approach groups of people. The combined presence, movement, and noise of multiple people can intimidate predators and reduce the risk of an encounter. Group travel also ensures there's help nearby in case of an emergency, making it a smart and safe choice for anyone in mountain lion territory.
• Carry an air horn: Sound can be a powerful deterrent in the wild. Use a loud, high-pitched air horn – like the SABRE Frontiersman Bear Horn – to alert wildlife to your presence and reduce the chance of surprising a mountain lion or other animal. Periodically sounding the horn while hiking or moving through dense terrain lets animals know you're nearby, which encourages them to keep their distance. In the event of a close encounter, the sudden, sharp noise can also startle and discourage them from approaching.
• Carry a bear and mountain lion spray: SABRE Frontiersman MAX Bear and Mountain Lion Spray is an effective deterrent designed to stop aggressive mountain lions. It provides essential protection in mountain lion territory with its strong formula. SABRE Frontiersman MAX Bear and Mountain Lion Spray is made with 2.0% Major Capsaicinoids, which is the strongest formula allowed by law. It's backed by our industry-exclusive in-house HPLC lab, guaranteeing max strength in each canister.
• Keep pets on a leash: Mountain lions are instinctively drawn to small pets because they resemble their natural prey. Pets like cats, dogs, and other small animals are often seen as easy targets due to their size and vulnerability.
• Avoid dusk and dawn hiking: Mountain lions are most active during dawn and dusk, when their natural prey is also on the move. These low-light hours can make it harder to spot wildlife, and for wildlife to see you clearly. Plan your hikes and outdoor activities during full daylight hours, and if you must be out early or late, stay in well-traveled areas, make noise to announce your presence, and stay extra alert to your surroundings.

How often do mountain lions attack?

Over the past century, there have been fewer than 30 documented fatal mountain lion attacks in the U.S. and Canada. While such attacks remain rare, the risk is steadily increasing due to environmental changes.​

Wildfires, particularly in regions like California, have devastated vast areas of natural habitat. The 2018 Woolsey Fire, for instance, scorched nearly 100,000 acres, destroying significant portions of mountain lion territory. As a result, displaced mountain lions are venturing closer to residential areas in search of food and shelter. Studies have shown that these apex predators, when faced with habitat loss, exhibit riskier behaviors, including increased movement during daylight hours and crossing roads more frequently (Science News).​

Many mountain lion encounters involve animals that are injured, stressed, or hungry. An inattentive hiker, especially one distracted by earbuds or smartphones, may appear as easy prey. The National Park Service advises hikers to stay alert and keep electronic devices stowed while on trails.​

Understanding how to deter mountain lions in an encounter and being prepared with the right tools can make all the difference. As human development continues to encroach on wildlife habitats, proactive measures are essential for coexistence and safety.​ Stay safe.