Stay Safe In Utah’s Outdoors As Cougar Sightings Rise

As warmer weather draws more people outdoors across Utah, wildlife officials are reminding residents and hikers that cougar encounters, while rare, are possible in many parts of the state. Also known as mountain lions or pumas, cougars live throughout Utah, particularly in foothill and canyon areas, though they sometimes wander into valleys during winter months while following deer in search of food.

Cougars primarily prey on deer, but they also hunt elk, pronghorn and smaller mammals. Wildlife experts say people are most likely to encounter a cougar in areas where mule deer are common, especially during dawn and dusk hours when the predators are most active.

“People are most likely to encounter cougars in areas frequented by mule deer, and at dawn and dusk, which is when cougars typically hunt,” Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Game Mammals Coordinator Chad Wilson said in a press release.

Hike In Groups, Keep Kids And Pets Close

State wildlife officials encourage hikers and homeowners to take precautions to avoid conflicts with cougars. They recommend hiking or jogging in groups, staying alert to surroundings and avoiding headphones that block outside noise. Keeping children and pets close while outdoors is also advised. Hikers should leave the area immediately if they discover a dead deer or elk carcass, since it may be a cougar kill the animal intends to return to later.

For homeowners living near deer habitat, wildlife officials suggest installing motion-sensitive lighting, trimming vegetation and securing pets or livestock indoors or in enclosed shelters at night.

If a cougar is encountered, officials stress that people should never run because that may trigger the animal’s instinct to chase. Instead, individuals should maintain eye contact, stand tall, make themselves appear larger and slowly back away while speaking firmly in a loud voice. In the unlikely event of an attack, fighting back and protecting the head and neck are strongly encouraged.

Read More: Changes Coming To Wildlife Access Rules

“Typically, a cougar that is trying to prey on something will sneak up and ambush them,” Wilson said. “When a cougar lunges or bluffs a charge at someone, they are typically just trying to drive them out of the area because they have kittens or a kill nearby that they are trying to protect.”

Wildlife officials say cougar sightings have increased in recent years, partly due to the growing use of security and doorbell cameras and expanding development into cougar habitat. Residents are encouraged to report sightings if a cougar behaves aggressively, repeatedly appears on security footage or kills livestock or pets in residential areas.

For more information visit the Wild Aware Utah website.