I had a close encounter last week with a big male. (ten to fifteen feet) It reacted exactly like the one in this video. I did everything correct except, I yelled at the cat. My two Dalmatians walked up to the Cougar and nearly touched noses and their tails were actually wagging. The cat looked me directly in the eyes, laid its ears back, but never made a sound. I had my H&K .45 out and ready to go, but after ten or fifteen seconds, it calmly strode off into the brush. My dogs didn't pursue and everybody went home safe. I'm really glad I didn't have to use my protection on that magnificent animal.
So I’m supposed to be taking advice from a guy that walks up to a cougar, purposely gets its attention, stares at it and then decided to put it down because it looked threatening? Bro YOU are the one that was threatening the animal.
Attacks are rare. People who live in areas where Cougars are common, often are in close contact with the cats BUT never see them. These cats are very secretive.
These conservation guys are awesome. I was out exploring an old abandon barn in the middle of the woods in The U.P. Of Michigan, and got hissed and growled at by a cougar. I never wanna hear that again. We just calmly walked away and lived to see another day. It was terrifying
Growing up in Alaska and Utah taught me a lot. Never smell like food. If you smell like fish to a bear you are a fish. They will eat you. Put your food up in a tree. The cats were what made me nervous. They are ambush predators. They are quite. Wolves are pack animals. Never had a problem with a wolf but exercise caution. My friend's brother almost got his head bitten off. Make noise and do surprise a bear. Do not be up wind. Loved my life back then.
It also depends on how hungry it is - or it may be sick. Had 5 cougars on my property northern Vancouver Island one year. They follow the deer up and down the island. Always kept rifle handy!
He didn't have to put it down. Just because he crouched. He should've tryed acting bigger first. Making loud noise toss some dirt or rocks. Killing should be a last option.
The problem I see is that the conservation people use this blanket guide to determine how to act or kill. I have seen numerous cougar videos and almost NEVER do cougars run away in fear. Pretty much determining their fate. Cats simply do not behave like this. I think they do it as a good defensive tactic, running away is what triggers a cats attack instinct so it seems logical it would avoid doing what it knows prey do. I am not saying it guaranteed would not attack someone, this is impossible, but I highly doubt it and certainly think shooting these animals just because it didn't run away is naive way of judging the animal. Put it this way, someone show me a single wild cougar encounter caught on video where the cat immedaitely runs away. I have yet to see it. They typically stay and stare, then maybe slowly back away. A big guy like that happens upon a cat, of course its going to stand its ground, it feels threatened. Frankly, like a guy who ran into a black bear on the island here said, I would never call conservation, they are more like termination officers because that is their prime mandate, to eliminate public safety concerns not conserving wildlife, this is what non governmental agencies do.
Frankly, I just don't believe a damn thing they say. Its too political as government agency. Of course they call themselves conservation, that is what government do with everything, they give taxes stupid names or enact laws with silly names to make it sound nice when in reality the intent is completely different. As an example. There was a case not long ago of a cougar in Esquimalt just outside Victoria that was killed. When asked why it was put down rather than relocated, they stated that there was no room left on the island! Complete BS. Typical governmet answer. My guess is the reality is they are just to lazy, cannot be bothered to spend the resouces to do it but that doesn't sound nice. They did the same when the brass demanded an officer destroy 2 bear cubs. This officer knew this didn't have to happen, that there was a place to take them in. He defied his orders and saved the cubs almost getting fired but for the public backlash in support of what he did. These are just 2 tiny examples of cases with media attention. You can imagine what goes on. Like I said, its unbelievable to me that anyone claiming to be an expert in cougar behavior would seriously claim that a cat that does not immediately run away in fear is abnormal behavior, a threat and should be put down. I just do not see cougars behaving like that. I guess what they say is true here, "Curiosity, really does kill the cat."
I've had encounters with both bears and once a florida panther. Bears just meandered away like "oops. gotta go", the panther stood and stared and followed in the brush for a bit. FYI, bear spray works on cougars too. I sprayed it towards it, we had gotten about 20 yards distance at that point, and just a faint whiff of it made it disappear into the brush completely.
So many cougar lovers try to give the impression that these animals are innately afraid of us. I don't buy it. From what I've seen on youtube, anyone large enough to stop a cougar from a frontal attack then has to worry as the cougar circles around behind them. These animals are predators!
Back in oh around '79 or '80 I Did a November solo hike from June Lake loop north to Yosemite Valley. On the very Start I was figuring to climb a col up onto the PCT, which involved some uphill rough terrain. Basically, climbing a series of near vertical cliffs. I topped one in this pretty chaotic area, where trees that had managed to root were gradually falling out into the void. I pulled myself up onto a rare ledge, working for every little handhold and was face to face with a mountain lion. I had a backpack on and could not screw around with additional surprises, at the moment; I had to concentrate on my next couple of moves, or I would go down in a fatal last flight. If that cat wanted he could have pushed me over with ease. When I looked up again, it was gone without a sound. I had invaded his mountainside hideaway, probably he couldn't believe my nerve. I just remember the two solid gold eyes getting bigger and bigger. There was simply no time to have any kind of fear reaction. It felt like,'oh well, that was quite beautiful.'.
that is quite the story... I probably would have fall...so surprised by the sight of the cougar...good on you, probably not wise to go alone...but an incredible story.
elkbow no. The position the officer took over the cougar was threatening.. of course it reacted. There have been cougars in my neighborhood. I have a small children and two small dogs. We are just wise. Most cougars do NOT want to mess with humans. I go hiking where they live too, it’s their home..I’m taking my risk. Today on my hike there was a thunderstorm that rolled through, mid way... if I had an issue, it is what it is. Cougar or lightening deaths ...both pretty rare :)
"Don't run goes for any encounter with bigger animals". A bear will chase You, a wolf will chase You, a mountain lion will chase You ... just don't run, You become pray.
Damn! He said "Don't travel alone!"...By the time I get a partner to hike with...that I like...I could be old and grey and dead from lack of exercise! I carry a small can of pepper spray with me...hopefully the cougar will know enough to bring the salt!
Had one of these loose back in the 90s, dummy had it in a cage 45 mins from my house , it got loose you hear that scream , you never forget it, Thank God , I was able to get my 2 kids and dog inside ,it was watching us for hours ,this was about one in the afternoon, I had them to move slow and walk backwards to the door , then I went slow to get my dog that was chained outside , I told the dog please don't bark ,
The Swedish guy survived a bear attack by screaming. Just search Swedish man - bear and you'll find it here on RUclips. So screaming is a good idea when being attacked. Deep scream/growl.
These new homes being built are on land that once belonged to wildlife a few years ago, before land developers seize their land for building new housing developments. We had a baby cougar that we bottle fed (her eyes were still closed and when she opened them, she thought in her mind that my brother was her mom and would never turn on him) and they are great pets providing you have 50 acres or larger for them to play on with us. Goldfish grew up with two Great Danes fully grown, a German Shepherd and two domestic house cats and everyone got along just fine.
When I was in ladysmith, I heard growling in one of the trees near where I was staying and I immediately knew it was a cougar even tho I couldn’t see it, so I yelled as loud as humanly possible and I ran away, thankfully by time I ran away the cougar was long gone because otherwise it would have probably chased me.
Humans keep building in the habitat of the animals and they don't understand why they run into wild animals. Killing the cougar was was sad, it should have been relocated. Bait and trap it. The officer shot a young cougar, really sad!
Darren Harvey I live in Oregon and the law banning cougar hunting with dogs back in the early nineties has resulted in an EXPLOSION of cougars around the state both rural and urban and they are now becoming more aggressive and not shy of humans and showing up on our kids’ playgrounds in broad daylight. Also I believe forest fires are having an affect pushing them around looking for new food sources. Bottom line: These cats breed like rabbits, male cougars occupy 100 or more square miles of territory each so that pushes out another male cougar to occupy the same and before you know it there pushed into residential areas.
If the conservation officer is not on duty, and he is walking in the wilderness where these lions roam does he bring his gun? You bet he does, but other Canadians aren't afforded this luxury in Canada. We can't own handguns it's illegal. Great logic, huh.
icimblind - if you’re not proficient (I.e. you practice EVERY day) with a pistol then you’ll miss a moving Cougar at close range when you’re scared. Carry a short Mossberg 12 gauge or similar loaded with multiple cartridges of double 00 buckshot ( 9 buckshot ‘pellet’ load) not birdshot (useless) and not triple 000 buckshot or slugs - massive recoil with both and you’ll probably miss the target anyway.
I love that everyone who liked this comment didnt even take the time to type "Can you own a hand gun in Canada?" into google... Its not illegal to own a handgun in Canada, that is just blatantly untrue. 👍
cheif gc . It is legal to own a handgun but you can only take it from your home to a gun range " DIRECTLY". You can't carry it anywhere, even in the wilderness so the point in owning one is useless unless you like target shooting. I do not own any for that reason but would like to be able to carry one in the woods in some places, though most Canadians live in big cities and do not venture into dangerous habitats often. I make sure I carry a decent knife in areas where I am concerned. I have worked in the Arctic, no vehicle, walking distances with signs warning of heavy polar bear activity nearby. I did not have the room to bring a rifle with me. So walk fast simultaneously praying and peeing my pants looking over my shoulder wishing I had a 44 Magnum. A knife won't do much when I am being treated like a human Tootsie Roll by the largest predators.
I've had an encounter, the second the mountain lion looked away I made an aggressive studder step on the dirt and shit myself, the mountain lion took off serval yards before it looked back at me again. Was it the studder step or the shat I don't know. But I'm alive today.
In Santa Cruz California, two 15 pound cougar cubs huddled together in a garage were shot by a conservation officer who said they were a "threat to public safety." Some of these people just lack common sense.
@@pattiannepascual I totally agree with you 100%. Years ago while hiking deep in the Forest in Washington State with my boyfriend I was tired and sat down on a huge log, Bill said he was just going a bit further blazing a trail and would back. Ahh as I sat there I started to drift off when I felt Bill sitting down as the Log moved just a bit. I opened my eyes and two feet away sitting right next to me was not Bill but a Cougar. I looked at it and was talking in a very soft voice saying what a beautiful home he/she had. It was so beautiful and to this day I'll never forget how gorgeous his eyes were a Honey Amber colour. All the while looking at this magnificent animal I felt he posed no harm towards me atall. Myself and the Cougar just sat there like he was my pet, I was talking away to him and now thinking he probably liked my voice or his instinctive nature let him know I met np harm to him. I love all animals and have never been afraid of them nor have I ever had a wild animal try to hurt me. I know all animals have feelings as well as Instinct's beyond any humans. I will never forget that day as long as I live for over Fifteen minutes I was graced by the company of a beautiful magnificent Cougar who kept me company and just listened to me all the while looking at each other in a touching way. He jumped down off the Log and started walking very slowly turning looking back at me till I could no longer see him. I just sat there thinking of the most wonderful event that just took place. Bill finally came back and I told him about my visitor, he looked at me and said: I'm not surprised you seem to attract all kinds of Critters. Well that is just one of several encounters with Wildlife, I am blessed. 🐾🐾🐾🐾
All the people talking s*** about this lady... She’s trying to bring awareness to a community. I doubt (hope) none of y’all have kids. If you did, you’d realize how important this information is. Can you imagine your child being attacked by an animal like this?! I get that they’re majestical creatures and for the conservationists officer he should’ve tranquilized and blindfolded, then taken to a better location. Regardless, I carry a gun on a trail just for these reasons. Not always going to shoot the animal first but give a warning shot.
I have come across grizzly in the wild scared the shit out of me, i expected it to attack without hesitation, but it did not attack, i actuality in my life ran across a total of 3 grizzly while hiking, not one of them attacked or was even aggressive with me.
@@mgichndz Not so fast... it has been proven that it doesn't work, for a number of reasons...look it up...relocation often creates territorial conflicts among existing cougar population and could also spread disease... basically we all know, we are moving into their territory...sometimes we pay the price, sometimes they pay the price. There's always Mars...
Me and a friend were night hiking up to north dome and we were stalked by a mountain lion. I was not scared at all bc I thought there was no way it would attack two humans with huge backpacking back packs. It stayed a switch back or tow above us for about a mile. We would stare at it and then hike on. I am sure we turned out backs on it many times...now I think on it...maybe I would have done some of this advice..instead. So maybe we should have spoke load, looked bigger, and threw a rock nearby maybe. When we got to the tip we thought it disapear did bc we could not see its eyes anymore...
no they not lions they closer to your house cat then a lion genetically , lion are more then twice a cougars size especialy males and stand taller so they less impressed by us. but i think it was not a good choice for that guy to shoot it like, that i noticed even with normal cats if you run after it and it notices you are very close they freeze make themselves small on the ground kinda like being stuck in a corner like cats i think cougars won't run and risk taking its eye's off you if you too close similar to panic.
So basically, what I got out of this is, look small, scream in a high pitch tone, and run...until it closes in then pull out a big fucking sword or a 500 magnum, does that sound correct?
If the cop was looking down at the Cougar, then it's "aggressive nature" would of actually be a defensive posturing. If the cat was above the cop, and they noticed each other at the same time, I'm sure the cat would of just left the scene.
No natural wildlife should be scared of humans and run away. They also should not be showing themselves midday like this . This is not natural behavior. It is just how it is. Once wild life is not scared of humans anymore and becomes aggressive they get put down. The real villains are who ever is feeding the wild life and getting them accustomed I humans. If they do t put them down they may attack children at play. It’s common sense. I lived in a national park and have seen bears shot but it was bc my neighbors left their food out daily. Well actually it got hit by a car first...but it was bc they left their food out.
Personally, I think that all of the negative criticism of the woman, who is conducting the interview, is unwarranted. I would have to say, then, to all Those who are ranking her behavior as "intolerable", you're probably going to have a rough time with life (if you aren't already). Big deal. So she's animated...As behaviors go, it's rather common among living creatures. Be kind, and be well.
Conservation officer murders an innocent animal. It is the majority of humans that need to be "conserved". You rob their land, put humans on it, and think this is ok? Karma will not forget
@Foxy and Lucy Anti gun people make me sick. Why do the politicians that make those anti gun laws have armed guards? Give me a break. I NEVER go out in the woods unarmed. If the state government ever changed the laws, us rural people would ignore them. They can all kiss my ass.
This guy is so confidant and well informed and it's comforting to hear him...but I hope he himself doesn't get eaten...you know how it is....that expert parachutist who does that one jump too many and we hear about it...in this case a naturalist and outdoor pro....but even though nothing's guaranteed expert advice can up the odds significantly in our favor....good advice here.
There has only been 20 or so human fatalities by cougars in the U.S. in the past sixty years yet the hysteria continues. Fifty people are killed by cows and horses each year maybe we ought to be euthanizing them instead. I can't imagine what will happen if one of the big cats chows down on a child. A posy will be rounded to hunt down and kill all cougars. Kind of a cougar witch hunt. We continue to build homes in wildlife habitat and then freak out if one enters our (their) property.
I support cougar conservation however if its in my backyard like this one was that's to dam close and at this point gun will be on the ready all time shidd there's kids and babies to think about JUST COMMON SENSE!
I keep my small service dog inside at dusk and dawn my dog trainer said it’s really good that she knows how to use potty pads because of dusk and dawn and she really good at potty training and yesterday I saw a female cougar thirthy to twenty feet away from my house so I keep pepper spray with me twenty four seven and they had to kill the male because I it already attacked pets and life stalk and he was 150 pounds
The main thing is not to turn your back on them, and never run from a bear or cougar. They can run much faster than you anyway, and running can trigger their predatory instinct.
I might be wrong but no cougar should be put down due to not fearing humans. I mean really. Don't tread or build homes or suburbs in their territory. If a human is attacked it's their own fault for being in their natural habitat. Do you think this was going on many moons ago. NO ! Because people were smarter 200 years ago and stayed out of their way. It is a NATURAL act on a wild animal. Killing wild animals because they attack is stupid and wrong. It's your fault you got your butt bit, hurt or killed. Crossing over in their home is a idiotic move. Riding a bike or walking without protection is dumb.
He forgot to tell you NEVER bend down or bend over to pick up the pet or child ,do it with straight legs and have then come to you to pick them up, bending over once again makes you look small and also is a posture similar to a animal ready to flee. which triggers their attack response pick them up without bending your knees or bending over.
@@take5newstv No problem io personally think that cougars react to "instinctual" triggers more than bears, I think bears have a slightly more calm response to prey triggers than the cats do. In other words a bear will inspect the prey and second guess it before committing to a charge than a cat which will react and respond almost instantly .
You dont even got second to react them cats fast as lighting i heard they jump out trees on top you claw you to death they use surprise tactic you wont even see them comeing
Ana Mira I understand that it upsets you to see wildlife killed in such a way, but the fact that he had no fear of humans is harmful to all parties involved. If animals like cougars and mountain lions are reportedly attacking humans then hunting them will most likely promoted. Not to mention parents like myself worrying about my daughter playing in the yard being carried off limp in a giant cats mouth.
@Mike O'Lynn wrong. fatal frequently. Oregon Columbia Gorge female hiker alone. fatality. probably jumped off a cliff on her. East of Seattle same summer 2018. google it. chased down a mountain biker. fatality. San Diego area a few years back. hiker fatality.
That won't work everywhere Ed. For example here in Australia we aren't allowed to carry handguns, not to mention we don't have cougars, so nothing to shoot even if we could carry. And in other places they don't have cougars but they are allowed to carry handguns. So what do you do then, particularly here in Australia where either condition isn't met? Seems like we're doubly screwed as there are no cougars and no handguns even if there were cougars.
Oh MY GOSH...that high pitched voice....stop it!! If she ever gets into a one on one with a cougar....that voice will be her undoing. I give the guys credit.....neither one of them pushed her down.
That woman reporter is extremely loud, hyper, extremely irritating. My take on these animals, that cougar looked docile, wasn't acting aggresive, what the hell do people expect, we take over their habitats, clear land for construction, people, they have less and less room to roam or hunt. We close them in. My husband worked at a job site, land was cleared, only 2 or less acres of wooded area, there were wolves there, trapped on both sides, company on one side , and city street on the other side. They were trapped on that small piece of wooded area. They killed whatever they could to live. My husband saw them at night, They don't always have to kill the animal, dart it if you can, and try to relocate the animal. He was here before us. This is happening to wildlife all over this world. Unfortunately people are going to come in contact with them, as we destroy their natural habitats.
My daughter was stalked by a cougar twice her size. She has been trained in how to handle that situation and she got away. She puffed up. Stared it in the eyes and backed away slowly. She is only 11 years old. The animal was in our yard. In the middle of the day. Train your kids. Call animal control. And Don’t leave food scraps out side.
I had a close encounter last week with a big male. (ten to fifteen feet) It reacted exactly like the one in this video. I did everything correct except, I yelled at the cat. My two Dalmatians walked up to the Cougar and nearly touched noses and their tails were actually wagging. The cat looked me directly in the eyes, laid its ears back, but never made a sound. I had my H&K .45 out and ready to go, but after ten or fifteen seconds, it calmly strode off into the brush. My dogs didn't pursue and everybody went home safe. I'm really glad I didn't have to use my protection on that magnificent animal.
Glad to hear there was a happy ending. Your dogs friendliness might have played a role here.
shocked at your dogs reactions.
Reporter turns a simple clear message into an unorganized inaccurate mess. She should find a job not involving using her mouth.
😂
The guy in the t shirt didn’t help also by cutting in on answers. They should just let the park guy answer questions.
Reporter is a woman... 😏🙄
@@billbill3890
I agree
@@Dokker62 so what?
So I’m supposed to be taking advice from a guy that walks up to a cougar, purposely gets its attention, stares at it and then decided to put it down because it looked threatening? Bro YOU are the one that was threatening the animal.
That reporter has GOT to go. Just way too animated and silly.
@Mybiz Yea that voice could stop a cougar in its tracks.
@@kevinbarrett1234 I thought she WAS THE COUGAR!
She doesn’t act like a reporter, just an amateur
Cat. Food.
To say the least, she's an idiot
actually I am more frightened of a Lady named Damphouse in a place named Ladysmith
She is so rude.. I want to hear what the conservation officer says but she keeps interupting him. So annoying
Attacks are rare. People who live in areas where Cougars are common, often are in close contact with the cats BUT never see them. These cats are very secretive.
This lady should just be quiet and let the other two finish what they are trying to say, dang!
I’m a cougar, and when younger men run from me, I don’t chase them. There are plenty of stationary ones to choose from.
Lol
👀
These conservation guys are awesome. I was out exploring an old abandon barn in the middle of the woods in The U.P. Of Michigan, and got hissed and growled at by a cougar. I never wanna hear that again. We just calmly walked away and lived to see another day. It was terrifying
Growing up in Alaska and Utah taught me a lot. Never smell like food. If you smell like fish to a bear you are a fish. They will eat you. Put your food up in a tree. The cats were what made me nervous. They are ambush predators. They are quite. Wolves are pack animals. Never had a problem with a wolf but exercise caution. My friend's brother almost got his head bitten off. Make noise and do surprise a bear. Do not be up wind. Loved my life back then.
Hope Woods thanks for sharing
It also depends on how hungry it is - or it may be sick. Had 5 cougars on my property northern Vancouver Island one year. They follow the deer up and down the island. Always kept rifle handy!
“I bent over and looked at it”! umm of course it’s going to posture and lunge. Is this an SNL SKIT?
He didn't have to put it down. Just because he crouched. He should've tryed acting bigger first. Making loud noise toss some dirt or rocks. Killing should be a last option.
I totally agree.
The problem I see is that the conservation people use this blanket guide to determine how to act or kill.
I have seen numerous cougar videos and almost NEVER do cougars run away in fear. Pretty much determining their fate. Cats simply do not behave like this. I think they do it as a good defensive tactic, running away is what triggers a cats attack instinct so it seems logical it would avoid doing what it knows prey do. I am not saying it guaranteed would not attack someone, this is impossible, but I highly doubt it and certainly think shooting these animals just because it didn't run away is naive way of judging the animal.
Put it this way, someone show me a single wild cougar encounter caught on video where the cat immedaitely runs away. I have yet to see it. They typically stay and stare, then maybe slowly back away.
A big guy like that happens upon a cat, of course its going to stand its ground, it feels threatened.
Frankly, like a guy who ran into a black bear on the island here said, I would never call conservation, they are more like termination officers because that is their prime mandate, to eliminate public safety concerns not conserving wildlife, this is what non governmental agencies do.
Frankly, I just don't believe a damn thing they say. Its too political as government agency. Of course they call themselves conservation, that is what government do with everything, they give taxes stupid names or enact laws with silly names to make it sound nice when in reality the intent is completely different.
As an example. There was a case not long ago of a cougar in Esquimalt just outside Victoria that was killed.
When asked why it was put down rather than relocated, they stated that there was no room left on the island! Complete BS. Typical governmet answer. My guess is the reality is they are just to lazy, cannot be bothered to spend the resouces to do it but that doesn't sound nice.
They did the same when the brass demanded an officer destroy 2 bear cubs. This officer knew this didn't have to happen, that there was a place to take them in. He defied his orders and saved the cubs almost getting fired but for the public backlash in support of what he did.
These are just 2 tiny examples of cases with media attention. You can imagine what goes on.
Like I said, its unbelievable to me that anyone claiming to be an expert in cougar behavior would seriously claim that a cat that does not immediately run away in fear is abnormal behavior, a threat and should be put down. I just do not see cougars behaving like that.
I guess what they say is true here, "Curiosity, really does kill the cat."
I've had encounters with both bears and once a florida panther. Bears just meandered away like "oops. gotta go", the panther stood and stared and followed in the brush for a bit. FYI, bear spray works on cougars too. I sprayed it towards it, we had gotten about 20 yards distance at that point, and just a faint whiff of it made it disappear into the brush completely.
So many cougar lovers try to give the impression that these animals are innately afraid of us. I don't buy it. From what I've seen on youtube, anyone large enough to stop a cougar from a frontal attack then has to worry as the cougar circles around behind them. These animals are predators!
@@mdiddio
That's very good, you did well. Yeah bears are funny, most times.
Back in oh around '79 or '80 I Did a November solo hike from June Lake loop north to Yosemite Valley. On the very Start I was figuring to climb a col up onto the PCT, which involved some uphill rough terrain. Basically, climbing a series of near vertical cliffs. I topped one in this pretty chaotic area, where trees that had managed to root were gradually falling out into the void. I pulled myself up onto a rare ledge, working for every little handhold and was face to face with a mountain lion. I had a backpack on and could not screw around with additional surprises, at the moment; I had to concentrate on my next couple of moves, or I would go down in a fatal last flight. If that cat wanted he could have pushed me over with ease. When I looked up again, it was gone without a sound. I had invaded his mountainside hideaway, probably he couldn't believe my nerve. I just remember the two solid gold eyes getting bigger and bigger. There was simply no time to have any kind of fear reaction. It felt like,'oh well, that was quite beautiful.'.
that is quite the story... I probably would have fall...so surprised by the sight of the cougar...good on you, probably not wise to go alone...but an incredible story.
So you’re telling me you couldn’t have fired off a warning shot first to scare him off?!
Nope, lions like ones that was dispatched are dangerous. Would you like to wait until it kills a child?
elkbow no.
The position the officer took over the cougar was threatening.. of course it reacted.
There have been cougars in my neighborhood. I have a small children and two small dogs. We are just wise. Most cougars do NOT want to mess with humans.
I go hiking where they live too, it’s their home..I’m taking my risk.
Today on my hike there was a thunderstorm that rolled through, mid way... if I had an issue, it is what it is.
Cougar or lightening deaths ...both pretty rare :)
Ah....the RUclips experts are on this video too...
"Don't run goes for any encounter with bigger animals". A bear will chase You, a wolf will chase You, a mountain lion will chase You ... just don't run, You become pray.
Eusunt Dac yes.you know more than that guy.
Prey, not pray
Except a hippo you might out run it to save your life simple run out of its territory
@Eusunt Dac, no, u need to PRAY that u don't become PREY.
@@cynthybailey5440 Maybe he SHOULD pray, lol!
Damn! He said "Don't travel alone!"...By the time I get a partner to hike with...that I like...I could be old and grey and dead from lack of exercise! I carry a small can of pepper spray with me...hopefully the cougar will know enough to bring the salt!
get bear spray it works better
Had one of these loose back in the 90s, dummy had it in a cage 45 mins from my house , it got loose you hear that scream , you never forget it, Thank God , I was able to get my 2 kids and dog inside ,it was watching us for hours ,this was about one in the afternoon, I had them to move slow and walk backwards to the door , then I went slow to get my dog that was chained outside , I told the dog please don't bark ,
RUTH OWENS Why do you chain your dog up outside?
Jules_ Logan exactly 😢
The Swedish guy survived a bear attack by screaming. Just search Swedish man - bear and you'll find it here on RUclips. So screaming is a good idea when being attacked. Deep scream/growl.
These new homes being built are on land that once belonged to wildlife a few years ago, before land developers seize their land for building new housing developments. We had a baby cougar that we bottle fed (her eyes were still closed and when she opened them, she thought in her mind that my brother was her mom and would never turn on him) and they are great pets providing you have 50 acres or larger for them to play on with us. Goldfish grew up with two Great Danes fully grown, a German Shepherd and two domestic house cats and everyone got along just fine.
Jan Hollon would love to see some pics!
Yeah... let me know how that ends for you guys!
Didn't the land your home sits on once belong to the wildlife as well ?
Do I look a sasquatch in the eyes?
James Hunt if he is carrying beer
Stare at her tits
never
James Hunt Probably Not.
James Hunt ,..You re not tall enuf
When I was in ladysmith, I heard growling in one of the trees near where I was staying and I immediately knew it was a cougar even tho I couldn’t see it, so I yelled as loud as humanly possible and I ran away, thankfully by time I ran away the cougar was long gone because otherwise it would have probably chased me.
Thanks from a Victoria girl who never wants to have a cougar encounter!
Humans keep building in the habitat of the animals and they don't understand why they run into wild animals. Killing the cougar was was sad, it should have been relocated. Bait and trap it. The officer shot a young cougar, really sad!
Darren Harvey I certainly agree with you
Darren Harvey I live in Oregon and the law banning cougar hunting with dogs back in the early nineties has resulted in an EXPLOSION of cougars around the state both rural and urban and they are now becoming more aggressive and not shy of humans and showing up on our kids’ playgrounds in broad daylight. Also I believe forest fires are having an affect pushing them around looking for new food sources. Bottom line: These cats breed like rabbits, male cougars occupy 100 or more square miles of territory each so that pushes out another male cougar to occupy the same and before you know it there pushed into residential areas.
You’re an idiot
If the conservation officer is not on duty, and he is walking in the wilderness where these lions roam does he bring his gun? You bet he does, but other Canadians aren't afforded this luxury in Canada. We can't own handguns it's illegal. Great logic, huh.
icimblind - if you’re not proficient (I.e. you practice EVERY day) with a pistol then you’ll miss a moving Cougar at close range when you’re scared. Carry a short Mossberg 12 gauge or similar loaded with multiple cartridges of double 00 buckshot ( 9 buckshot ‘pellet’ load) not birdshot (useless) and not triple 000 buckshot or slugs - massive recoil with both and you’ll probably miss the target anyway.
Wow... I didn't know that, I'd be breaking the law!
I love that everyone who liked this comment didnt even take the time to type "Can you own a hand gun in Canada?" into google... Its not illegal to own a handgun in Canada, that is just blatantly untrue. 👍
cheif gc . It is legal to own a handgun but you can only take it from your home to a gun range " DIRECTLY". You can't carry it anywhere, even in the wilderness so the point in owning one is useless unless you like target shooting. I do not own any for that reason but would like to be able to carry one in the woods in some places, though most Canadians live in big cities and do not venture into dangerous habitats often. I make sure I carry a decent knife in areas where I am concerned. I have worked in the Arctic, no vehicle, walking distances with signs warning of heavy polar bear activity nearby. I did not have the room to bring a rifle with me. So walk fast simultaneously praying and peeing my pants looking over my shoulder wishing I had a 44 Magnum. A knife won't do much when I am being treated like a human Tootsie Roll by the largest predators.
Good to Know. TY for the Info!!
I've had an encounter, the second the mountain lion looked away I made an aggressive studder step on the dirt and shit myself, the mountain lion took off serval yards before it looked back at me again. Was it the studder step or the shat I don't know. But I'm alive today.
hahahahaaa you really shit ur pants i hope you had a big ass stick i would've
I almost shart my pants once due to a predatory attack, fortunately for me I just let out a fart.
One of the tips should be: shitting yourself
Humans moving into cougar territory and then explaining why they have to kill a cougar as if it's the cougars fault is a bit ridiculous.
In Santa Cruz California, two 15 pound cougar cubs huddled together in a garage were shot by a conservation officer who said they were a "threat to public safety." Some of these people just lack common sense.
Brian that’s terrible and I hope there were repercussions
A *conservation* officer killed an animal.
An animal that has been systematically wiped out for decades.
Ironic.
Yes. The word Conservation, which means to save or conserve, really means murder of innocents.
@@pattiannepascual
I totally agree with you 100%.
Years ago while hiking deep in the Forest in Washington State with my boyfriend I was tired and sat down on a huge log, Bill said he was just going a bit further blazing a trail and would back. Ahh as I sat there I started to drift off when I felt Bill sitting down as the Log moved just a bit. I opened my eyes and two feet away sitting right next to me was not Bill but a Cougar. I looked at it and was talking in a very soft voice saying what a beautiful home he/she had. It was so beautiful and to this day I'll never forget how gorgeous his eyes were a Honey Amber colour. All the while looking at this magnificent animal I felt he posed no harm towards me atall. Myself and the Cougar just sat there like he was my pet, I was talking away to him and now thinking he probably liked my voice or his instinctive nature let him know I met np harm to him. I love all animals and have never been afraid of them nor have I ever had a wild animal try to hurt me. I know all animals have feelings as well as Instinct's beyond any humans. I will never forget that day as long as I live for over Fifteen minutes I was graced by the company of a beautiful magnificent Cougar who kept me company and just listened to me all the while looking at each other in a touching way. He jumped down off the Log and started walking very slowly turning looking back at me till I could no longer see him. I just sat there thinking of the most wonderful event that just took place. Bill finally came back and I told him about my visitor, he looked at me and said: I'm not surprised you seem to attract all kinds of Critters. Well that is just one of several encounters with Wildlife, I am blessed. 🐾🐾🐾🐾
Everybody yells at the Cougar
&
Nobody ever asks
"How's the Cougar".
All the people talking s*** about this lady... She’s trying to bring awareness to a community. I doubt (hope) none of y’all have kids. If you did, you’d realize how important this information is. Can you imagine your child being attacked by an animal like this?! I get that they’re majestical creatures and for the conservationists officer he should’ve tranquilized and blindfolded, then taken to a better location. Regardless, I carry a gun on a trail just for these reasons. Not always going to shoot the animal first but give a warning shot.
Very good advice from the ranger........
There is more cougars in the bars in Victoria,.....jus sayin
Queen Victoria was a Merry Old Fellow and a Merry Old Fellow was SHE !!!
Gay your life must be !!!
LOL.
They’ll eat you too.
i guarantee there r more people killed by the cougars in the bars than by the cat
Officer Bates" "With a cougar you want to stare them in the eyes", while staring her directly in her eyes.
I was stalked by two cougars at once a while back. I left the bar with them and it was the best night I ever had! I was worn out in the morning.
You wish !
Wait. Are cougars really optimistic, or did he mean opportunistic? I suppose they could be both.
gforce hey you have to be an optimist in order to seize the opportunity 😉
Stop overbuilding in their areas, they were there first.
🙄
Maybe we're just trying to survive, just like they are. Humans aren't doing anything wrong sweetheart :)
I have come across grizzly in the wild scared the shit out of me, i expected it to attack without hesitation, but it did not attack, i actuality in my life ran across a total of 3 grizzly while hiking, not one of them attacked or was even aggressive with me.
noversibirsk grizzlys will attack when provoked or startled but they usually have nothing to with human's
noversibirsk Grizzlys are omnivores and usually eat fish, berries etc. But if a big cat decides to stalk you, you’re dead meat, literally.
noversibirsk ,..you caught them on a good day
@@balls4053 oh thank u mister youtube know-it-all
@@DrunkenGuitarGuy no problem
Annnnnd despite how we said the attacks on humans are low, we had to kill it. Couldn’t use a tranquilizer. Nope.
right?
Obviously you don't have kids playing in the yard....you might feel different; kids might act surprised and run from a big cougar...what then ? hmm?
sunflower - tranquilize, relocate, release. Done.
@@mgichndz Not so fast... it has been proven that it doesn't work, for a number of reasons...look it up...relocation often creates territorial conflicts among existing cougar population and could also spread disease... basically we all know, we are moving into their territory...sometimes we pay the price, sometimes they pay the price. There's always Mars...
Who’s the REAL cougar in the news story?
Me and a friend were night hiking up to north dome and we were stalked by a mountain lion. I was not scared at all bc I thought there was no way it would attack two humans with huge backpacking back packs. It stayed a switch back or tow above us for about a mile. We would stare at it and then hike on. I am sure we turned out backs on it many times...now I think on it...maybe I would have done some of this advice..instead. So maybe we should have spoke load, looked bigger, and threw a rock nearby maybe. When we got to the tip we thought it disapear did bc we could not see its eyes anymore...
Thanks for sharing that! We are glad you are alright
So cute
I find it enjoyable to call big cats in with a high pitch squeel
Don't live in Ladysmith and you won't encounter a Cougar.
People dont think but, they are a lion, Literally a Lion. I was hiking in the woods when I came across a Big Cogar
no they not lions they closer to your house cat then a lion genetically , lion are more then twice a cougars size especialy males and stand taller so they less impressed by us. but i think it was not a good choice for that guy to shoot it like, that i noticed even with normal cats if you run after it and it notices you are very close they freeze make themselves small on the ground kinda like being stuck in a corner like cats i think cougars won't run and risk taking its eye's off you if you too close similar to panic.
You could not have tranquilized n relocated this beautiful creature. We are invading their space 70+ Hunter/ gatherer 🇨🇦
I mean normaly people are not on the menu but when a cat starveing he dont care at that point
So basically, what I got out of this is, look small, scream in a high pitch tone, and run...until it closes in then pull out a big fucking sword or a 500 magnum, does that sound correct?
cats generally dont attack anything they deem bigger than themselves. That's why 80% mountain lion attacks are women and children
yea and many in the usa especialy are bigger then cougars :P
If the cop was looking down at the Cougar, then it's "aggressive nature" would of actually be a defensive posturing. If the cat was above the cop, and they noticed each other at the same time, I'm sure the cat would of just left the scene.
Yeah. He did not need to kill it.
No natural wildlife should be scared of humans and run away. They also should not be showing themselves midday like this . This is not natural behavior. It is just how it is. Once wild life is not scared of humans anymore and becomes aggressive they get put down. The real villains are who ever is feeding the wild life and getting them accustomed I humans. If they do t put them down they may attack children at play. It’s common sense. I lived in a national park and have seen bears shot but it was bc my neighbors left their food out daily. Well actually it got hit by a car first...but it was bc they left their food out.
Personally, I think that all of the negative criticism of the woman, who is conducting the interview, is unwarranted. I would have to say, then, to all Those who are ranking her behavior as "intolerable", you're probably going to have a rough time with life (if you aren't already).
Big deal. So she's animated...As behaviors go, it's rather common among living creatures.
Be kind, and be well.
useful advice! That guy who died recently in Washington state ran away from the cougar while he had his friend's head in his jaw!
oh for heavens sakes , just trap the animal and set it free , the animal didnt do anything wrong . just relocate it . you should b ashamed of yourself
They killed the animal? Wtf? Totally unnecessary.
Black and decker portable vacuum makes a heck of a sound no one gets hurt
I hate when they say "it's extremely rare" in regards to them attacking humans, they will attack more times than not if the opportunity arises.
WTF I've heard my whole life that you SHOULD scream and make noise if you see a mountain lion?!
Tom Tom make noise use a loud voice but a scream ... high pitched sounds sound like a deer in distress and can trigger an attack
One of the best lines I heard was “ these wild animals are scrapping all day long so one more fight is nothing to them”
This lady gives off some serious Karen vibes.
Sound like he’s addressing black bear faqs
Would've been so funny after he explained everything you should do to avoid them attacking... a cougar jumps on him in the neck! 😆😜
Conservation officer murders an innocent animal. It is the majority of humans that need to be "conserved". You rob their land, put humans on it, and think this is ok? Karma will not forget
I'll give you the best advice always carry a gun on your side, open carry enjoy shooting.
@Foxy and Lucy
Anti gun people make me sick. Why do the politicians that make those anti gun laws have armed guards?
Give me a break. I NEVER go out in the woods unarmed. If the state government ever changed the laws, us rural people would ignore them. They can all kiss my ass.
Only to miss when it dodges you and eats you alive. What a good time.
Yea, right. Put 384 sheep in the barn at night. Typical gov wonk.
Cougar attacks rare, ONLY one a year! What a relief...!
Yes only one cougar attack a year. Right now the cougars are drawing straws to see who gets to make the next attack.
This guy is so confidant and well informed and it's comforting to hear him...but I hope he himself doesn't get eaten...you know how it is....that expert parachutist who does that one jump too many and we hear about it...in this case a naturalist and outdoor pro....but even though nothing's guaranteed expert advice can up the odds significantly in our favor....good advice here.
A couger talking about watching out for cougers
That's crazy because I've always been taught to yell at bears and mountain lions.
There has only been 20 or so human fatalities by cougars in the U.S. in the past sixty years yet the hysteria continues. Fifty people are killed by cows and horses each year maybe we ought to be euthanizing them instead. I can't imagine what will happen if one of the big cats chows down on a child. A posy will be rounded to hunt down and kill all cougars. Kind of a cougar witch hunt. We continue to build homes in wildlife habitat and then freak out if one enters our (their) property.
I support cougar conservation however if its in my backyard like this one was that's to dam close and at this point gun will be on the ready all time shidd there's kids and babies to think about JUST COMMON SENSE!
ALWAYS hike alone.
That cougar at the start of the video was very intimidating.
Actually, it wasn't intimidating. It was just relaxing. :-)
Stop deforestation!
Looks like curiosity just killed the cat!
No, unwarranted fear killed that poor cat.
The reporter scared the hell out of me with her voice
I don't agree with putting the cougar down. What's wrong with trapping and relocating?
Daddy Finley I agree
Because the cougar was 15 feet away. It can pounce on you in a second and very likely that you’d die.
The kid in the background lol like basically you're saying I will get eaten if I am around.
I keep my small service dog inside at dusk and dawn my dog trainer said it’s really good that she knows how to use potty pads because of dusk and dawn and she really good at potty training and yesterday I saw a female cougar thirthy to twenty feet away from my house so I keep pepper spray with me twenty four seven and they had to kill the male because I it already attacked pets and life stalk and he was 150 pounds
They describe what to do than right after she describes what they just said but it barely makes sense when she talks haha
I’ve heard conflicting info about the eye contact. Not sure the advice to make eye contact with a cougar is correct.
The main thing is not to turn your back on them, and never run from a bear or cougar. They can run much faster than you anyway, and running can trigger their predatory instinct.
@@TheRealAlbertJ make eye contact with the cougar but do NOT make eye contact with the bear.
@@PaDutchRunner I have never heard that before, except in this video. I'm not sure I believe that. :-)
@@TheRealAlbertJ I’ve seen it on signs posted in Colorado.
@@PaDutchRunner I see. I am not convinced it matters much.
I’ve made a few mistakes with cougars my self, usually starts with buying some drinks
This reporter needs to stay away from caffeine
When you build 🏠 in puma land what do you expect??
puma pants island?
nice ti see tom is geting slim
I am watching this because i am about to go camping and there was a couger sighting there
I might be wrong but no cougar should be put down due to not fearing humans. I mean really. Don't tread or build homes or suburbs in their territory. If a human is attacked it's their own fault for being in their natural habitat. Do you think this was going on many moons ago. NO ! Because people were smarter 200 years ago and stayed out of their way. It is a NATURAL act on a wild animal. Killing wild animals because they attack is stupid and wrong. It's your fault you got your butt bit, hurt or killed. Crossing over in their home is a idiotic move. Riding a bike or walking without protection is dumb.
Conservation Officer Louis C.K.
He forgot to tell you NEVER bend down or bend over to pick up the pet or child ,do it with straight legs and have then come to you to pick them up, bending over once again makes you look small and also is a posture similar to a animal ready to flee. which triggers their attack response pick them up without bending your knees or bending over.
Mr Scary good advice thanks for sharing
@@take5newstv No problem io personally think that cougars react to "instinctual" triggers more than bears, I think bears have a slightly more calm response to prey triggers than the cats do. In other words a bear will inspect the prey and second guess it before committing to a charge than a cat which will react and respond almost instantly .
You dont even got second to react them cats fast as lighting i heard they jump out trees on top you claw you to death they use surprise tactic you wont even see them comeing
Yes I wish this cougar did it to this man who shot it. I wish he was clawed to death instead of the cougar being shot for no reason.
Ana Mira I understand that it upsets you to see wildlife killed in such a way, but the fact that he had no fear of humans is harmful to all parties involved. If animals like cougars and mountain lions are reportedly attacking humans then hunting them will most likely promoted. Not to mention parents like myself worrying about my daughter playing in the yard being carried off limp in a giant cats mouth.
Tom Cruse you are right, I'll find myself looking up in trees while going through the woods....cats r crazy
@Mike O'Lynn wrong. fatal frequently. Oregon Columbia Gorge female hiker alone. fatality. probably jumped off a cliff on her. East of Seattle same summer 2018. google it. chased down a mountain biker. fatality. San Diego area a few years back. hiker fatality.
makesmefeellikeatalltree then stay out of the woods.
This woman's voice really puts me off - if not for the two guys I wouldn't stay for one minute.
the wild life guy met 2 cougars that day
My best tips of not dying by becoming cougar shit comes in 44 Magnum, 357 Magnum, and 10mm :)
becoming cougar shit sound quite appealing
That won't work everywhere Ed. For example here in Australia we aren't allowed to carry handguns, not to mention we don't have cougars, so nothing to shoot even if we could carry. And in other places they don't have cougars but they are allowed to carry handguns. So what do you do then, particularly here in Australia where either condition isn't met? Seems like we're doubly screwed as there are no cougars and no handguns even if there were cougars.
Fuckin A 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸💪😂
Oh MY GOSH...that high pitched voice....stop it!! If she ever gets into a one on one with a cougar....that voice will be her undoing. I give the guys credit.....neither one of them pushed her down.
The best thing to do if you have a cougar encounter is to tuck and roll, this also works during volcanic eruptions ...
do air horns work on mountain lions? what about putting a string of jingle bells on your bicycle..?
I'm getting mixed messages about the screaming by watching multiple videos.
joe BONES don’t scream because it sounds like a wounded deer and can trigger an attack. But use a loud forceful voice to warm people.
That woman reporter is extremely loud, hyper, extremely irritating. My take on these animals, that cougar looked docile, wasn't acting aggresive, what the hell do people expect, we take over their habitats,
clear land for construction, people, they have less and less room to roam or hunt. We close them in. My husband worked at a job site, land was cleared, only 2 or less acres of wooded area, there were wolves there, trapped on both sides, company on one side , and city street on the other side. They were trapped on that small piece of wooded area. They killed whatever they could to live. My husband saw them at night, They don't always have to kill the animal, dart it if you can, and try to relocate the animal. He was here before us. This is happening to wildlife all over this world. Unfortunately people are going to come in contact with them, as we destroy their natural habitats.
My daughter was stalked by a cougar twice her size. She has been trained in how to handle that situation and she got away. She puffed up. Stared it in the eyes and backed away slowly. She is only 11 years old. The animal was in our yard. In the middle of the day. Train your kids. Call animal control. And Don’t leave food scraps out side.
Canadians, they're just kind of different you know?