By Alisha Brewer
If you are one of the few people to have spotted a mountain lion, consider yourself lucky! I know some people may laugh at that statement. What is so lucky about coming face to face with North America’s second largest wild cat?
To start, mountain lions, also known as cougars and pumas, are extremely elusive. These shy guys much prefer to avoid human contact and remain unseen. This is why mountain lion sightings are extremely rare. However, as human populations expand into mountain lion habitat (and we all know how much Vail is growing!) the possibility of us encountering one increases.
Mountain lions are a good size, typically between 100-150 pounds. They are tan in color to help them disappear in their beautiful desert surroundings. They have a long tail. They are carnivores (they eat meat) and they are opportunistic hunters, so they don’t discriminate what kind of meat they consume. They typically feed on deer, javelina, coyote, bobcats, cottontails, porcupines and are absolutely not opposed to digesting your family pet. They are ambush predators, so they use their stealth to quietly stalk their prey and attack from behind.
So how can you protect your pet from a mountain lion? Mountain lions like to hunt at dusk, dawn and overnight (but can be active during the day). Don’t leave your pets outside and unattended during those peak hunting times. If you have chickens or livestock, make sure to put them in a secure place overnight. Don’t feed your pets outside. Their food can attract other critters which screams Vegas buffet to a mountain lion. Trim brush to eliminate any hiding places. You can install motion lights to help deter them. If you like to hike or take desert walks with your dog, make sure to keep them on a leash.
Human encounters with mountain lions are extremely rare. However, should you find yourself face to face with one do not run. Running triggers a predatory response, so stand your ground. If you have pets or children with you, pick them up or pull them close. Keep eye contact with the cat and make yourself appear big! You want the lion to know that messing with you will not be worth its time. Use a strong loud voice and yell at it. Put your arms over your head and slowly wave them around. The situation sounds a little scary, right? Well, take a deep breath. According to Mark Hart, Public Information Officer at Arizona Game and Fish, “There are no mountain lion attacks on record in SE Arizona”. Not a single one. Not even a little scratch.
The AZ Department of Game and Fish shares that they receive the most reports of mountain lion sightings in the spring, of mothers and their kittens, and in the late summer, of juveniles separating from their mom to find their own territory. So, should you see one this summer, you’re likely looking at a youngster that is trying to find its way in the world for the first time.
In such a busy and ever changing world, isn’t it awesome that we have the opportunity to see such a beautiful part of nature in our own backyards? Now I ask you, what could be more lucky than that?
Alisha Brewer is a veteran zoo keeper of nearly 15 years. U of A alum. Boy mom, veggie dog connoisseur, anti Oxford comma and eternal optimist. Alisha hopes to connect residents to the incredible creatures that surround us.
