A hiker has shared GoPro photos of himself being stalked down a forest path by way of an exceptionally power mountain lion, which pursued him for 6 worrying mins.
The clip, shared by way of Reddit person HeavenIsBelowMe, displays the person the usage of quite a lot of methods to take a look at to scare the animal again after it appears getting too with reference to its younger. After an preliminary second of panic he tries speaking flippantly, telling the animal he’s giant and frightening, shouting, and growling, nevertheless it has little impact and after 3 mins the cat starts lunging and hissing and it continues to practice him uphill.
It’s no longer transparent from the video precisely why (the person feedback that he doesn’t have a gun), however after six mins one thing spooks the cat, which takes flight back off the path. It kind of feels that he can have thrown a rock, which is without doubt one of the perfect techniques to care for a detailed come upon with a mountain lion.
Shut calls with mountain lions (often known as cougars, pumas, panthers, and catamounts) are rather uncommon, however they’re unpredictable and will also be unhealthy – specifically when protecting their cubs.
Mountain lions are maximum lively at break of day or nightfall, and one of the best ways to steer clear of operating into one is to steer clear of mountain climbing or operating by myself at those instances. If you happen to do come throughout one, the Nationwide Park Carrier (NPS) warns by no means to run, as this may cause the animal’s intuition to chase. Make eye touch and don’t crouch down or bend over, as this may make you glance smaller and extra inclined.
As a substitute, do the whole lot you’ll to appear larger, similar to opening your jacket and elevating your palms.
“Throw stones, branches, or no matter you’ll succeed in with out crouching or turning your again,” says the NPS. “Wave your palms slowly and discuss firmly in a noisy voice. The speculation is to persuade the mountain lion that you’re not prey and that you will be a risk to it.”
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This article by way of Cat Ellis used to be first revealed by way of Advnture on 28 September 2023. Lead Symbol: Getty.