With the report of a cougar sighting on the Timberton Trail this week, here’s some tips from U.S. Forest Service when hiking or camping in lion and bear country. Remember that both roam throughout a wide area, so you might find them anywhere in Port Ludlow. Good tips for pet-walkers, trail-hikers, and campers.
Hiking and Camping in Mountain Lion Habitat
- Do not hike alone. Go in groups, with adults supervising children. Avoid dawn and dusk excursions.
- Keep children close to you. Animals seem especially drawn to children; keep children within sight at all times.
- Do not approach a lion. Most mountain lions will try to avoid confrontation. Give them a way to escape.
- Do not run from a lion. Running may stimulate a mountain lion’s instinct to chase.
- Do not crouch down or bend over. A human standing does not resemble a mountain lion’s natural prey.
- Do all you can to appear larger. Raise your arms. Open jacket if wearing one. Pick up small children. Wave arms slowly and speak firmly in a loud voice.
- Fight back if attacked. Mountain lions usually try to bite the head or neck; try to remain standing and face the attacking animal.
Hiking and Camping in Bears Habitat
- Never leave food, toiletries and/or anything with a scent in your tent, sleeping bag or car.
- Keep sleeping bags, tents and sleeping areas free of food and beverage odors.
- Store food in bear-proof canisters or bear-proof lockers if provided. The trunk of your car and coolers are not bear-proof!
- Do not leave out food, stored drinks or diapers. The smell will attract bears.
- Clean everything after preparing a meal.
- Dispose of garbage properly. If a bear-proof dumpster is not available, store your garbage in bear-proof lockers often provided at campgrounds, until it can be disposed of properly.
- When backpacking, use a bear-proof Backpacker’s Cache to store your food. These really work and are available for free rental through the US Forest Service Visitor’s Center at Taylor Creek and at South Lake Tahoe Forest Service office.
- When departing an area, empty all goods and refuse from any containers or food storage lockers left behind.
Remember, never feed a bear!
You can find more helpful tips on their website here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/ltbmu/home/?cid=stelprdb5415822