A Solo Hiker’s Encounter with a Mountain Lion in California
A woman hiking alone on a remote trail in California had an unforgettable experience when she came face-to-face with a mountain lion. The incident, which occurred on July 3 at around 6:30 pm, took place on the Gridley Trail in Ojai. Courtney Rasura, an experienced hiker, was walking along the path when she noticed something unusual.
She had briefly looked down at her phone to listen to a podcast, and when she lifted her eyes again, she realized she was not alone. A mountain lion was just a few feet away from her. Instead of panicking, Rasura remained calm and began recording the moment, making sure not to make any sudden movements that could provoke the animal.
Rather than running away, which many might instinctively do in such a situation, Rasura maintained eye contact with the lion. She repeatedly shouted “no” and “go away,” trying to scare it off as it approached. At one point, she even screamed to try to get the animal to leave. According to her account, the lion eventually retreated into a bush but then returned to the trail.
Despite the tension, Rasura’s approach proved effective. After a few intense moments, the mountain lion turned and ran up a nearby mountain. In the video she recorded, she expressed her relief with a sigh and said, “Thank you,” followed by “Oh, my God.”
Reflecting on the encounter, Rasura mentioned that she has been hiking in Ojai for over 15 years but had never encountered a mountain lion before. She described the experience as both amazing and terrifying. Although she is grateful to have come out unharmed, she plans to be more cautious on future hikes.
Rasura shared the video on Instagram, where it received thousands of views. Many people commented on her calm and appropriate response. One user wrote, “Damn that was too close,” while another said, “Her reaction was perfect.” A third person praised her, saying, “Stood your ground and never turned your back! Good on you!”
Another viewer shared their own concern, mentioning that they often hike in Los Angeles with their dog. They noted that due to recent wildfires and animal displacement, mountain lions, coyotes, and bobcats are increasingly seen in the area. They emphasized the importance of staying vigilant and aware of surroundings when hiking in the region.
Guidelines for Encountering a Mountain Lion
The National Park Service (NPS) advises hikers who come face-to-face with a mountain lion to remain calm. They recommend not running, bending down, or approaching the animal. According to the NPS, mountain lions play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem by controlling deer populations.
Although attacks are rare, the agency acknowledges that injuries from wild animals can occur. However, the risk of being killed or injured by a mountain lion is significantly lower compared to other natural hazards.
According to the Mountain Lion Foundation, the chances of being killed by a mountain lion in the United States are one in a billion. Since 1868, there have been approximately 29 fatal encounters between humans and mountain lions in North America. For comparison, the foundation highlights that each year in the U.S., about 777 people die from mosquito-borne illnesses, 28 from lightning strikes, 20 from firearm-related hunting accidents, 86 from animal venom, and 35,000 to 45,000 from motor vehicle accidents.
In California alone, an average of two mountain lions die each week from car collisions. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife estimates that there are between 4,000 and 6,000 mountain lions in the state.
Hikers should always be mindful of their surroundings, especially in areas where wildlife is active. By following safety guidelines and remaining calm, the chances of a dangerous encounter can be minimized.
