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Alright everybody. Go ahead and grab a seat because I want to tackle this before it goes viral. Lets have a discussions of the dos and don't of this potential cougar encounter. A thread.
https://www.instagram.com/tv/CGOjQXhl3eV/
https://www.instagram.com/tv/CGOjQXhl3eV/
Now first things first keep in mind that this is a tense situation and while we all like to think we would do better, you won't know until you know. So with that out of the way. 1) Don't get closer to any young of any species even if you can see the mother....
In this case the mother isn't visible(which makes it worst) but even if she was don't keep moving towards the young. Pissed off mamas don't obey the rules of natural conflict and are a great way to end up dead. Should you run into young playing...
...keep the distance you had when you first ran into them and start backing away slowly but confidently. If you want to enjoy the show keep a safe and respectable distance if you can (50 yards). 2) The person on the video made a lot of noise yes but it wasn't consistent...
nor was it varying in volume. Be louder, be gruntier, be anything you see that spawns a moment of hesitation on the cat. 3) If you are carrying bear spray, bear horn or a gun use it to make noise and snap the animal out of it. Keep it to bursts rather than a continuous noise...
4) Throw the darn rock. It took this person a long time to throw a rock at the cougar. Not sure why can't say I was in his head but if you get openings to pick up and throw rocks go for it. 5) Don't turn your eyes away from them. It's clear in the video that the moment...
....said person turned their eyes away from the cougar the cougar advanced. Keep them stuck on the cougar. That being said he did do some great stuff which was to back away, make noise and continue talking throughout.The mom was just mad because of the initial spark of conflict
Overall glad this encounter ended up with no one hurt(although if that were me I'd be down a pair of pants) but just a few tips to pick up. If you aren't in bear country but in cougar country carry a noise maker with you, especially if frequenting in back country.
