A Summary of Puma Predatory Behavior and
Suggested Associated Human Response
by
E. Lee Fitzhugh, Ph.D. - University of California, Davis  (Contact Data)
David P. Fjelline - Placer County Predatory Animal Control Specialist    

Puma Activity

Meaning

Human Risk

Appropriate Response
Puma far away and moving away Secretive and avoidance Insignificant Keep children where they can be observed
Puma more than 100 yards away, various positions and movements, attention directed away from people Indifference Slight, provided human response is appropriate Avoid rapid movements, running, loud, excited talk.  Stay in groups; keep children with adults.  Observe puma.  For agencies, this may indicate future problems if repeated.
Puma more than 50 yards away; various body positions; ears up; may be changing positions; intent attention toward people; following behavior Curiosity Slight for adults given proper response.

Serious for unaccompanied children

 Hold small children; keep older children close to an adult.  Do not turn your back on puma; assume standing position on ground, rocks, or large equipment that is above puma if possible.  *Look for sticks, rocks or other weapons and pick them up, using an aggressive posture while doing so.  Watch puma at all times.  However, if puma sits, looks away, and grooms itself, this is not a predatory situation and you should imitate the puma, but keep it in peripheral vision.  For agencies, consider warning visitors and limiting hiking to groups.
Puma closer than 50 yards away; intense staring at humans; hiding Assessing success of attack Substantial All of the above steps, plus place older children behind adults.  If a safer location or one above the puma is available, go there.  Do not run.  Raise hands and other objects such as jackets above head so as to present image of bulk as high as possible.  Prepare to defend yourself.
Intense staring and hiding coupled with crouching and/or creeping toward humans Moving to attack position Serious if within 200 yards Take all the above actions.  If possible, move slowly to place large objects such as trees, boulders between yourself and the puma, but do not lose sight of the puma.  Smile! (Show your teeth).  Make menacing sounds; throw things if puma is close enough to hit.
Crouching; tail twitching; intense staring at humans; ears erect; body low to ground; head may be up Pre-attack; awaiting opportunity Grave Do all of the above and use whatever weapons you have.  If you have lethal weapons take careful aim and use them now.  Pepper spray may be effective if puma is close enough and downwind.  If you have rocks or other items that can be thrown, do so.
Ears turned so the "fur" side is forward; tail twitching; body and head low to ground; rear legs may be "pumping" or "treading" gently up and down Imminent attack; puma is ready to leap Extreme Prepare to defend yourself in close combat.  Fight back.  Make menacing noises.  The attack may happen within seconds.  If you have any chance of averting it, it is by acting aggressively toward the puma.  If the distance is too great to use a stick, run rapidly toward the puma until you can put the stick in its face and eyes.  If you lack a stick, run toward the puma with arms high, making loud noises.  Stop before you are within striking distance of its paws.  Rapid movements towards the puma, especially from above it, may still deter an attack.  Avoid positions below the puma; do not turn your back on it.
Table's HTML design by The Mountain Lion Foundation of Texas
From: pp. 26-28 in W.D. Padley, ed., Proceedings, 5th mountain lion workshop.
27 February - 1 March 1996. San Diego, California.
Southern California Chapter, The Wildlife Society

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