I have been hunting or fishing remote areas in Northern California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Wyoming since the 1950's. Usually with a dog, but sometimes alone, and can attest that things have changed. Predators were always out there, but in years past, in smaller numbers. In some cases, statewide numbers increased from hundreds to thousands and encounters with suspicious/ignorant/dangerous 2 legged critters are now more frequent.
In the late 90's, there were cougar sightings near my workplace in Olympia, WA. Our DFW distributed flyers with the following advice:
If You Encounter a Cougar
• Cougars often will retreat if given the opportunity. Leave the animal a way to escape.
• Stay calm and stand your ground.
• Maintain direct eye contact.
• Pick up children, but do so without bending down or turning your back on the cougar.
• Back away slowly.
• Do not run. Running triggers a chase response in cougars, which could lead to an attack.
• Raise your voice and speak firmly.
• If cougar seems aggressive, raise your arms to make yourself look larger and clap hands.
• (You will probably be all right.) If in the very unusual event that a cougar attacks you, fight back with rocks, sticks, tools or any items available
A recent check of the Oregon DFW web site finds they use a more appropriate last sentence. (Washington language in parentheses) Don
Last edited by ollo_ollo; 05-22-18 at 01:25 PM.
Reason: correct the info given