3. Mountain Lions
Where Are Mountain Lions Found?
Mountain lions are second only to humans for having the biggest mammal range within the Western Hemisphere. Therefore, you might encounter a mountain lion in a variety of places throughout North America. In fact, there are 30,000 mountain lions in the western section of the U.S., and they can also be found in areas such as Texas.
Discouraging Mountain Lions from Attacking
Fortunately, mountain lions are solitary creatures, which means that attacks against humans are rare. If they can hear you coming, they will usually leave the area. A mountain lion may be nearby if birds and all other types of nearby wildlife suddenly go silent. If you hear this, be sure that you do not bend over for any reason, as this can make mountain lions mistake you for an animal.
Surviving a Mountain Lion Attack
When you are having a stand-off with a mountain lion, it is important to never run. Instead, stand your ground, maintain eye contact and give the animal a chance to leave the area. Be aware that small children are seen as easy prey, so you should keep them nearby at all times. If the mountain lion does attack, use anything on your person or close at hand to fight back. If you can keep yourself from being knocked over, your odds of survival will go way up. A gun, stick or bear pepper spray can all be beneficial during an attack.