A Close Encounter with a Mountain Lion
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy outdoor activities like running, walking, or hiking. However, it’s essential to stay alert and prepared for unexpected situations. Whether you’re hiking with your dog or exploring alone, you never know what challenges might come your way.
Cortney Rasura, a hiker from Southern California, learned this firsthand on July 3 while walking alone on the Gridley Trail in Ojai. She was looking at her phone when she caught a glimpse of a mountain lion, also known as a cougar, stalking her from the corner of her eye. The moments that followed were tense and terrifying, but thankfully, neither Cortney nor the animal was harmed.
This encounter was a close call, and it’s easy to imagine how Cortney felt when the mountain lion stared her down. It’s a shocking experience that can leave anyone in awe.
Some people believe that the mountain lion’s body language showed it wasn’t interested in Cortney, while others aren’t so sure. One viewer shared, “Climbing the cliff is even more dangerous,” explaining that mountain lions are known to jump on their prey from trees and cliffs. That’s truly frightening!
Although there was nothing Cortney could have done to avoid the encounter, she handled the situation calmly and effectively. If that were me in her shoes, I’m not sure I would have been as composed. One commenter admitted, “I would cry.” I feel the same way. People often forget that fight or flight responses are instinctual, but knowing what to do in case of a mountain lion sighting could save your life if you find yourself frozen in fear.
What to Do if You See a Mountain Lion
As an experienced hiker, Cortney knew not to run when she saw the big wild cat. Instead, she maintained eye contact with the cougar and stood her ground. Fortunately, most mountain lions are just as eager to avoid confrontation as people are, so the majority of encounters end without any issues, like this one.
According to the National Park Service, if you see a mountain lion, you should stay calm, stand still, or back away slowly. Try to appear as large as possible. Avoid bending over or crouching for any reason!
If the lion begins to move toward you or act aggressively, do everything you can to appear large and intimidating. Raise your arms, open a jacket, or use a loud voice, like Cortney did. The goal is to show the lion that you are not prey, which will be easier if you’re in a group of people.
I’m relieved that both Cortney and the mountain lion are safe after this encounter. Now, everyone can take a deep breath and feel reassured.
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