9news reported a story yesterday about a Mountain Lion attack in Evergreen. The Mountain Lion attacked a 40lb dog miraculously the dog ended up surviving. You can read about the story here. I really wanted to just post a few important rules to follow when planning on hiking in the high country. If you follow these rules you can decrease your chances of any major problems.

Step One
Avoid hiking alone, especially between dusk and dawn, when lions are most active.

Step Two
Make a lot of noise when hiking so you won’t surprise a lion.

Step Three
Keep children close when hiking in mountain lion country; most mountain lion attacks are made against children.

Step Four
Keep pets on leashes while hiking.

Step Five
Avoid approaching a mountain lion if you see one in the distance - it may just be curious about you. Most lions avoid confrontation, so give it an opportunity to slip away.

Step Six
Be prepared for a possible attack if a mountain lion is nearby, staring at you aggressively and crouching or hiding.

Step Seven
Stay calm and don’t run if you’re faced with a possible attack. Take out any weapons or deterrents (such as pepper spray), or look around for rocks and sticks.

Step Eight
Raise your hands or hold things above your head to make yourself appear larger. Pick children up off the ground, but don’t crouch or bend over if you can help it.

Step Nine
Talk or yell loudly and slowly back away, maintaining eye contact with the mountain lion.

Step Ten
Fight back aggressively with weapons and deterrents if you’re attacked, all the while trying to remain standing.