How Summer Fires May Drive Mountain Lions Toward Suburbs

I had a chance to visit with a wilderness management professional who worked specifically with the mountain lions. His knowledge of the big cats in that area was enlightening referred to as cougars, panthers, mountain lions and even pumas.

Where Moutain Lions Live

I was surprised at how proficient cougars are in our area because I don’t see them, but he explained that he is trained to see them and knows where to search. Plus, they are loners more likely to run than attack, just because we don’t see them doesn’t mean they are not there.

Disruption can Trigger Wild Animal Sightings

Environmental events alter the behavior of the lions which causes me to wonder if the fires around the area would displace them and maybe even drive them into populated area.

Read More: Fire Fighting Progress

He said we should be on the alert especially when something disruptive has occurred. Think of how bugs scatter when you finally take on the weed patch in the corner of the yard. Once their habitat is disturbed, they have to vacate and find another domain, like the inside of your shirt.

Personal Experience

Several years ago, a mountain lion cruising along the tops of fences in our neighborhood. We didn’t live on the edge of town nor did any of our neighbors raise any wildlife that might have lured it in, I share this just in case you think infiltration never could happen to you. Thankfully someone called animal control, and they were able to safely remove the confused cat.

What to do if you see a Wild Large Cat

If you do happen to come across a mountain Lion:

Maintain eye contact.

Make yourself look bigger by raising and waving your arms. Some animals require you to crouch and be submissive, not cats the bigger you seem the better.

Talk firmly and back away from the area slowly. Running might activate its instinct to chase.

Protect your head and neck and fight back if you are attacked. Thankfully they usually only approach to hunt or protect something and fighting has shown to deter both behaviors.