Originally Posted By: Teslinhiker
I have encountered exactly 2 cougars in all my years of tramping around the outdoors.

The first one was way too close for comfort and left me spooked for quite some time. The second was a bit further away and it was a privilege to see such a magnificent animal for a few long seconds before it bounded away.

As HM mentioned, plenty of other threats out there that will take you down and snuff out your life in an instance, before an extremely rare chance of a cougar attack ever will.


I have only seen two myself. But have several friends who have been stalked. One in California, others in WA. Those cats are out there and they are thinking about you as possible pray, at least in passing.

I think wildlife management practices have changed and that has led to the increase in MT LIon incidents we see in WA state in the last 20 years. The numbers of cats has increased, the methods of take and number allowed to be taken have been reduced. Scientists tell us the population is self regulating as the excess cats are chased off by the others, which leaves them starving (like this cat that attacked the bikers) and roaming in populated areas.

Like hikemor mentioned, bees could get you first. With the honey bee die off and the cougar (and pit bull) populations on the rise, some of those hazards may switch places in the stats.