Many of us have heard the experience of the Colorado man who had to kill a mountain lion with his bare hands. To say such an encounter is uncommon is an understatement. However it is possible to have a run in with a cougar as they have been spotted in towns in Utah, including in the Uintah Basin. What should you do if that happens? The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources give these points if you happen to encounter a mountain lion. First STOP! Never attempt to run from a cougar, neither should you approach it. Maintain eye contact and stand tall, do not crouch or squat. Be sure to pick up small children and pets or if that isn’t possible keep them very close to you. Do what you can to make yourself look bigger, including raising and waving your arms or jacket high above your head. In a loud and firm voice talk to the cougar as you slowly back away. Finally, if you are attacked, fight back, stay alert, keeping your head and neck protected. If you are aggressive enough there is a high probability that the cougar will flee.
