aullori

I agree with the ranger guy - I'd just add a few words to it. If you run into a large cat don't run. It kicks in that natural insinct that cats have to chase. Stand up tall, if your with someone get closer to them (you look bigger) and walk away backwards from it. My hubby and I ran into one in our backyard. We had thought it a coyote at first - went in closer and saw it was a cougar. I called our pup (who found her facinating) and got close to hubby to create the illusion that we were bigger. She rolled over on her back in what looked like a submissive position. Then we backed away slowly and she fled. Couple of other suggestions; if your collecting deer antlers don't carry them in your hand or tie them to your pack (put them away in your pack) and if your hiking alone carry a large stick (walking stick.) So if they do get close you can raise it over your head to look bigger. Open your coat, fan it out and make yourself as big as you can. Don't turn your back and walk slowly backwards. If you decide to carry a pistol. I recommend getting a hunters safety course before you take it into the woods. You can usually find a local one being done in your local sportsman. I'm not anti-gun. After all - fighting a cougar is a little like taking a knife to a gun fight. There is no way I can win that fight. As for bears... After living in the country for years and years.. I'd be happy to see one. However, I've heard that only a bear that is wasted away will actually attack a human. That or you getting between mama and baby. Bear attacks are extreamly rare. From what I've heard it's something like 19 people since the 1900's. Pretty darn good odds. Ranger Rick is right talk to the bear softly. From what I hear they don't have great eyesight so may confuse you for something nummy. Talking to them usually makes them get your human and they take off. (The only exception to this is the grizzley bear but they are so rare - that would only be a problem if your in the northern tip of washington and idaho - by metaline falls and there about) My suggestion for the person who hikes alone - get a really well trained dog. Bears and Cats don't like them much and they love the walk. Hopefully that answers your question. In my opinion a pup is the best protection for anyone in the woods. Even if he is on a leash - you can let him off in the woods if you get those goosebumps that says something is watching you.