As with all things of nature, mountain lion attacks seem to ebb and flow. As I found out today the weather has as much to do with their appearance as anything. When the weather is dry they are driven to lower elevations to find water and along the way some food.
Mountain lions are much different in their tactics than bears. Bears of course are much bigger than mountain lions which can get to 120 pounds or so. Bears just come at you using their surprisingly quick reflexes and brute size and strength.
Self Defense
Mountain lions stalk their prey. They oftentimes are upon a victim before they know it. They use stealth and speed. They go for the head or neck and a quick kill.
I would never go into the back country without at least a large bear pepper spray. The bear spray most ordinarily used has a range of up to 30 ft. Never. Mountain lions and bears have highly sensitive noses and don't like having them abused. They reply quickly to a dose of pepper spray which is exactly what you want.
Here is someone else kind of defense that works for mountain lions. Because you are probably bigger anyhow, they can be bluffed. If you spot a mountain lion, stand as tall as you can, stick out your arms to appear larger, and talk loudly and aggressively.
Throw anyone you can find rocks, branches, anyone you can find if you can. Do Not run or turn your back. If anything, threaten the mountain lion by appearing to enlarge toward it but not too close. And of course, have your pepper spray at the ready.
If a mountain lion is able to sneak up on you and assault you, fight back with all your might-your life may be in the balance. You will probably surprise the cat with some opposition and he'll probably leave.
Self Defense - Surviving Mountain Lion Encounters
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