Mountain Lion Safety

If you encounter a mountain lion, make yourself look large and dangerous.

NPS photo

Mountain lions (Puma concolor) are also called cougars, pumas, panthers, painters, and catamounts. Mountain lions are present in the park, although sightings are very rare. Mountain lions can be unpredictable and dangerous; we highly recommend reviewing the following safety information before your visit, just in case.

When & Where

Mountain lions can roam in valleys and mountain slopes, meadows and forests alike. They are quiet and elusive; tracks or scat are often the only evidence of their presence. They are also solitary creatures, traveling alone except during mating season. Mountain lions are most active at dawn and dusk, corresponding with deer activity.

You may see them anywhere in the park and at any time of the day, but typically, mountain lion sightings occur from a distance and usually around dawn or dusk.

Always Explore Safely

• Hike in groups, never alone.
• Keep children nearby and in the middle of the group.
• Make noise while hiking, especially near loud streams.

If You Encounter a Mountain lion

The goal is to convince the animal that you are not prey and that you may be dangerous. Please report all mountain lion sightings at a park visitor center.

• Remain calm and do not approach. Most mountain lions will try to avoid a confrontation, so give them space to escape.
• Keep the group together. Pick up small children if possible, but do not bend over or crouch down.
• Do not run. Maintain eye contact and slowly back away.

• If the lion approaches, Do all you can to appear larger. Raise your arms and wave them and yell loudly. Throw whatever objects you can find at the lion or in its direction (rocks, branches, etc.).

• If the lion attacks, fight back. Hikers have fought off attacks successfully with rocks, sticks, caps, jackets, garden tools, and their bare hands.