11/21/2025
Which animal do outdoor enthusiasts in the Pacific Northwest think about most when they’re out? I’d venture to guess the cougar, and perhaps for a variety of reasons.
I think about cougars constantly, even dream about them because they’re my favorite species and an animal I spend a lot of time tracking and advocating for. Many others think about them because they’re secretive and elusive, a perfectly evolved apex predator.
If you spend any amount of time in the outdoors in cougar habitat, then there’s a chance you’ve been watched by a cat or two. They are innately curious and will sometimes find a spot with a good vantage point and simply sit while observing their surroundings. Last year, the female in this video remained in front of my camera for almost 2 hours. She spent some of her time sitting perfectly still, looking out across a small wetland and the rest of the time was used to take a snooze 😴
The Department of Fish and Wildlife estimate there are around 2,400 independent aged cougars in Washington state. When you think about how many individuals there are and how few attacks occur, it becomes clear that these big cats have little to no interest in humans as a food source. In the past 100 years, there have been only 20 recorded cougar attacks with two of those being fatal.
Now let’s review how to avoid encounters and what to do in the very unlikely event of a cougar attack:
🐱Carry bear spray in an easy to access spot when riding, running, hiking, foraging or camping in cougar habitat.
🎧Stay attentive to your surroundings and avoid using earphones.
🗣️Make noise. Announce your presence by talking, singing or clapping.
🌄Avoid being outside during times of day when cougars are most active (i.e. sunrise, sunset or after dark)
😻 If you encounter a cougar, DO NOT RUN. Pick up any small children or pets. If the cougar approaches you or becomes aggressive, stand your ground. Yell, throw things, make yourself look big. Have your bear spray in hand and deploy it if the cat comes within 30 feet.
🥊If the cougar makes contact with you, fight back long and hard.
