Mountain Lion Defense

Leopards are much more dangerous than mountain lions. Mountain lions weigh about 150lbs. You could pick a dead one up. I wouldn't try picking up a live one though. :D
 
I wouldn't count on a dog for protection or diversion, unless it was a pack of trained cougar hounds. There have been several incidents in British Columbia where families out hiking with Fido have encountered a cougar. Usually the story goes something like "Brave Fifi tried to protect us from the cougar!" However, dogs are one of leopards' favourite foods (or so I have read), and I don't doubt that a dog makes a nice snack for a cougar, too. So keep the kids close, carry a big stick/knife/gun or whatever, and don't take the dog. (Dogs are often banned from trails in national parks where there are grizzlies. I saw a black bear one time chase a dog across the gravel bars on a river near Kitimat, heading right back for the owner. Fortunately the bear turned off before they both arrived. Personally, I would have shot the dog:D .)
 
My ex wife's Nissan Sentra worked real well about 11years back went under front end. I have seen 7 in the past 15 years. I was happy to be in a auto for 4 sightings and had access to firearm the rest of the time. I like to have 1 while bow hunting. their was even a turkey hunter attacked by 1 around 5 years back in Northern Ca. Chris
 
Merely a note of humor here, but what about a shirt of chain mail and a helmet? It would look much more fashionable than a plastic football helmet and a sheet of corrugated metal, and probably more comfortable too. And what a conversation topic should you meet some people along the way. Or possibly even hang a shield from your back, it should extend up enough to cover the neck. And as far as I know, there's no law against dressing as a knight! :)

Notice how as soon as one gets away from firearms, "medieval" gear begins to make sense.
 
I you were attacked from behind by one of these cats and you were unarmed and slammed to the ground, what would be the best defense? Trying to get your fingers/thumbs into the cats eyes?
 
I wouldn't be so worried about poking the lion in the eyes, as getting its teeth out of my neck. At the risk of broken or mangled hands, my tactic would be to reach back and get my hand at my neck to pry the teeth loose. Next I'd roll out from under the cat using my legs, keeping my arm at the back of my neck. Probably a good idea to remember to protect your throat with the other arm, since if the lion loses a grip on the back of your neck it'll probably go for the throat as you roll out. Then up on my feet facing the cat - - DON'T run or turn your back to it!

At this point I'd look for any makeshift club or rock lying around. Just try to keep as tall a stance as possible. Crouching over just makes you look more like prey in distress.

Again, look at the website I posted earlier:

http://www.dfg.ca.gov/lion/index.html

This being said. I have lived a lot of years in Lion country without incident. Used to be one that lived up on the hill above my house in So Calif near the desert. We'd see it around dusk lying on a big boulder. If they are too close for comfort, heave some stones to scare it off. Keep an agressive posture, but hold your position. Keep the kids and pets close too. If it runs off don't go on safari to track it down. Better to let it be and report it too your local Game Warden or Ranger.

IMO

TT2Toes
 
Thanks to all for the thoughtful and informative responses. They have been very helpful. A happy and safe holiday season to all.
 
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