We were talking to some people who live about a mile from us, over the top of the mountain. They have a mother mountain lion (cougar) and three babies over there. No wonder we haven't seen any deer around here for a couple of years if the mountain lions are doing so well.

We've occasionally seen them in the area, but if there are three new ones, we might see them more often. Reading up on what to do when you meet one in the woods here it is:

Make eye contact and look mean.

Raise your arms and try to look bigger than you are.

Throw sticks and rocks, and if they attack you, fight back.

Don't run - it activates their prey instinct.

Don't lie down and play dead.

I found this sign:



I like that part about 'pick up children without bending' - in other words, don't lose eye contact.

Of course, I'd love to see a mountain lion walk through the yard, but that's as close as I'd want to come to them or a bear.