Wildlife officials warn hikers about how to stay safe during a mountain lion encounter

SALT LAKE CITY — As warmer weather draws more people onto Utah’s hiking trails, wildlife officials are urging caution: you may not be alone in the mountains. The Division of Wildlife Resources is reminding hikers to stay alert for predators, including mountain lions. The warning comes as many still remember a widely viewed video of a terrifying encounter in Provo. In October 2020, Kyle Burgess, a trail runner, experienced a nearly six-minute standoff with an aggressive cougar in Slate Canyon. The animal, which was protecting its cubs, repeatedly charged Kyle as he backed away, maintaining eye contact and trying to appear large and intimidating. The dramatic footage, seen by millions worldwide, has become a real-life example of how to respond in such a situation. "I definitely remember it just like it was yesterday and how an easy hike or just a day on the trail can turn to be pretty dangerous if we're not being careful," Burgess said. "Growing up in the Boy Scouts, we were always taught to be big and scary for predatory animals. And that's probably one of the first things that popped in my head. Want to stay calm and just keep my wits about my own self." Experts say the key is simple but critical:

• Do not run — Running can trigger a mountain lion’s instinct to chase prey.
• Stand your ground — Remain calm and maintain eye contact.
• Make yourself look bigger — Raise your arms, speak loudly and appear intimidating.

"We're just reminding people to be safe as they're recreating outdoors," Faith Heaton Jolley, a spokesperson for the Division of Wildlife Resources, said. "Maintaining eye contact is really important. And again, kind of making yourself big, you know, not crouching down. If you have pets or kids, we recommend holding them up, you know, so they're higher up off the ground." Wildlife officials emphasize that while mountain lion sightings do occur, including a recent sighting of one lounging in a backyard tree in Millcreek, attacks on humans remain extremely rare. Deer are their primary source of food. Still, preparation is essential. DWR also recommends:

• Hiking in groups rather than alone.
• Making noise to avoid surprising wildlife.
• Keeping children and pets close.

In the unlikely event of an attack, officials say hikers should fight back aggressively, focusing on protecting the head and neck. In many cases, a strong defensive response will cause the animal to retreat. "Everything runs away from these animals. So if you don't stand your ground, in some sense, they're going to treat you as prey," Burgess said.

Related: More migratory birds flock to Great Salt Lake as other saline lakes decline

Related topics