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Encountering a Cougar

Stop, pick up small children immediately, and don't run. Running and rapid movements may trigger an attack. Remember, at close range, a cougar's instinct is to chase.

Face the cougar. Talk to it firmly while slowly backing away. Always leave the animal an escape route.

Try to appear larger than the cougar. Get above it (e.g., step up onto a rock or stump). If wearing a jacket, hold it open to further increase your apparent size. If you are in a group, stand shoulder-to-shoulder to appear intimidating.

Do not take your eyes off the cougar or turn your back. Do not crouch down or try to hide. Never approach the cougar, especially if it is near a kill or with kittens, and never offer it food.

If the cougar does not flee, be more assertive. If it shows signs of aggression (crouches with ears back, teeth bared, hissing, tail twitching, and hind feet pumping in preparation to jump), shout, wave your arms and throw anything you have available (water bottle, book, backpack). The idea is to convince the cougar that you are not prey, but a potential danger.

If the cougar attacks, fight back. Be aggressive and try to stay on your feet. Cougars have been driven away by people who have fought back using anything within reach, including sticks, rocks, shovels, backpacks, and clothing—even bare hands. If you are aggressive enough, a cougar will flee, realizing it has made a mistake. Pepper spray in the cougar's face is also effective in the extreme unlikelihood of a close encounter with a cougar.

Encountering a Bobcat

As with all wildlife, never approach or corner a bobcat. Upon encountering one on the trail or other setting, give them a wide berth and way to exit.

Do not attempt to feed a bobcat and avoid leaving pet food outside. This is includes birdseed in that bobcats can be attracted to the birds and rodents that will visit the feeder.

If possible, eliminate outdoor sources of water that might be attractive to bobcats (i.e., drip irrigation, fish ponds, and bird baths) that are located near residential structures. As an alternative, you might purchase a large water dish (as for a large dog) to put outside your fence and keep it filled with water.

Trim and clear shrubbery that may provide cover for bobcats or prey.

If necessary, you can discourage bobcats by making loud noises and throwing rocks to make them leave.

Keep cats and small dogs indoors, allowing them outside only under strict supervision.

Keep other small animals in well-protected areas and in sturdy cages at night. Cages made of chicken wire are meant only for keeping small animals contained. They will not keep bobcats or other predators from entering; stronger gauge wiring will be required.

Trapping and relocation of bobcats is not a recommended or viable alternative. Wild animals are territorial and like species will simply take over the area vacated by the relocated or dead animal.

Encountering a Bear

Remain as calm, alert and clear-headed as possible when dealing with a bear encounter.

Avoid any sudden movements and stand very still. Bears will generally avoid humans unless threatened, surprised or cornered. Running might encourage a bear to chase you.

Slowly wave your arms and make cautious movements to alert the bear and potentially cause it to run away. Use this technique only if you are far away from the bear. If you're talking to someone in your group, use quiet and low tones.

Make sure the bear is not cornered. If you're in a cave or rocky area, create an escape route for the bear to pass. Quietly walk away from the bear and leave the area as quickly as possible. Avoid any contact with cubs at all costs, as the mother bear will attack.

Avoid making any eye contact with the bear, as it might cause it to feel challenged or threatened.

Keep your backpack, jacket or hiking gear on to create extra padding if attacked.

Play dead during an attack and protect your stomach, head, neck and chest. The bear may lose interest, no longer feel threatened and leave on its own.

Remain in position until you are absolutely certain the bear has left the area, then wait another 20 to 30 minutes.

Bears often watch their prey from a distance and will attack again at the sign of movement.

Fight back against a bear attack only if you have no other options. Try striking it in the eyes or snout and back away.

Encountering a Wolf

Stay calm.

Back away slowly while facing the animal.

Leave the wolf a way to escape.

Pick up small children without bending down.

Raise your voice and speak firmly.

If the wolf approaches or acts aggressively, wave your arms and make yourself look larger. Shout, make noise and throw any available objects.

In the unlikely event that you are attacked by a wolf, fight back. Try to remain standing and use rocks, sticks, tools, camping gear and your hands to fend off the attack. Keep the animal away from your neck and head.