Most Montanans live all their lives without a glimpse of a mountain lion, much less a confrontation with one. Many who have seen a lion describe the experience as catching a fleeting glimpse of something that is more shadow than reality.

Human encounters with lions are on the rise in states such as California and Colorado where housing is pushing into traditional lion habitat and increasing numbers of people are recreating in lion country. In Montana, human encounters with lions remain rare.

Wildlife managers have analyzed human/lion encounters in the past several years and identified some consistent lion behaviors and appropriate human responses that may reduce the duration and severity of a potential lion attack.

How to Behave in Mountain Lion Country

• Carry Bear Spray—Know how to use it and keep it within easy reach.
• Do Not Hike Alone—Go in groups, with adults supervising children.
• Keep Children Close to You—Observations of captured wild mountain lions reveal that the animals seem especially drawn to children. Keep children within your sight at all times.
• Do Not Approach a Lion—Most mountain lions will try to avoid a confrontation. Give them a way to escape.
• Do Not Run from a Lion—Running may stimulate a mountain lion's instinct to chase. Instead, stand and face the animal. Make eye contact. If there are small children nearby, pick them up if possible so they don't panic and run. Although it may be awkward, pick them up without bending over or turning away from the mountain lion.
• Do Not Crouch Down or Bend Over—A person squatting or bending over looks a lot like a four-legged prey animal. When in mountain lion country, avoid squatting, crouching or bending over, even when picking up children.
• Appear Larger—Raise your arms. Open your jacket if you are wearing one. Again, pick up small children. Throw stones, branches, or whatever you can reach without crouching or turning your back. Wave your arms slowly and speak firmly in a loud voice. The idea is to convince the mountain lion that you are not prey and that you may be a danger to it.
• Fight Back if Attacked—Use bear spray to deter the lion. Many potential victims have also fought back successfully with rocks, sticks, caps, jackets, garden tools and their bare hands. Since a mountain lion usually tries to bite the head or neck, try to remain standing and face the attacking animal.