The cougar population has been growing steadily in Utah and the Division of Wildlife
Resources has some tips to stay safe. Do not hike or jog alone. Maintain awareness in
cougar country while hiking or jogging and avoid using headphones that block out your
surroundings. Travel in groups and keep everyone together, including children and dogs.
Make noise while hiking to alert cougars of your presence. Leave the area if you find a
dead animal, especially deer or elk, since it could be a cougar kill. If you live in an area
near deer habitat, do not leave children outside unattended, especially at dawn and dusk.
As a deterrent, install outside and motion-sensitive lighting around your property. Trim
vegetation and remove wood piles to reduce hiding places for wildlife and bring pets and
livestock inside at night or secure them in a barn or kennel with a top. If you do
encounter a cougar, do NOT run since that could trigger the cougar’s instincts to chase.
Maintain eye contact. Pick up children and pets or keep them very close. Stand up tall.
Do not crouch or squat. Make yourself look bigger by raising and waving your arms or
jacket above your head. Talk firmly in a loud voice and back away slowly to leave the
area. Fight back if you are attacked! Protect your head and neck. If you are aggressive
enough, the cougar will probably flee. Visit wildlife.utah.gov for more information.
