The town that I work in recently built a multi-use path leading from the town recreation grounds/baseball field/fairground up a steep hillside next to a dam to link up with more multi-use paths circling the reservoir and connecting a few adjacent towns. Not the best design in the world, awfully steep and switchbacky for the typical recreational cyclist that uses multi-use paths around here, so I only use it returning home from work late at night when noone else is on it. I usually do my homeward (uphill) commute between 8 PM and 1 AM, depending on my work schedule. The path is quite pleasant then, no traffic issues and a fairly tranquil setting.
Today's local paper carried a story about a trio of local police officers who had gone out to this area to investigate a suspicious/abandoned vehicle and found themselves being followed by three mountain lions as they walked back to their vehicles. A state wildlife biologist explained to the press that the animals were most likely a mother and her cubs (mountain lions do not travel in packs otherwise) and they were most likely passing through this area on their way to better hunting territory (which does exist not far from where the incident occurred). Maybe this is true, but I think I'm going to change my route for the homeward commute for a while. -- mark
Today's local paper carried a story about a trio of local police officers who had gone out to this area to investigate a suspicious/abandoned vehicle and found themselves being followed by three mountain lions as they walked back to their vehicles. A state wildlife biologist explained to the press that the animals were most likely a mother and her cubs (mountain lions do not travel in packs otherwise) and they were most likely passing through this area on their way to better hunting territory (which does exist not far from where the incident occurred). Maybe this is true, but I think I'm going to change my route for the homeward commute for a while.
Most people attacked by mountain lions were probably observed by the lion several times before the attack. Mountain lions, like most cats, observe and learn their prey's habits before selecting a weak point for the attack. If they were doing other than passing through, there is a reasonable chance you had already been observed.
Austin -- I'm pedaling as fast as I durn well please! There are no X characters in my address
Depending on your state, you should get CCW permit and pack a pistol to protect yourself. Late night on a non used trail I'd be more concerned about 2 legged predators. See above for advice. Remember, mtn, lions are light bones and easy to kill . I'd suggest a compact nine. Despite what animal rights people say, we are the dominant species and are not designed to be a meal.
Most people attacked by mountain lions were probably observed by the lion several times before the attack. Mountain lions, like most cats, observe and learn their prey's habits before selecting a weak point for the
attack.
Quoted message said:
If they were doing other than passing through, there is a reasonable
chance
Quoted message said:
you had already been observed.
Austin
I've heard that before, it makes sense.
I still think I'm going to talk to the state wildlife people before I use that route again at night. -- mark
typical mountain lion attack consists of pouncing on prey with a clampdown on spine. People on bikes re not deer. You will br knocked over nd the tumble of bike person and cat will result in some confusion. This will give enough time to draw pistol from [censored] pack holster. Even a good fighting knife will help. Or ride with a rhodesian ridgeback.
typical mountain lion attack consists of pouncing on prey with a clampdown on spine. People on bikes re not deer. You will br knocked over nd the tumble of bike person and cat will result in some confusion. This will give enough time to draw pistol from [censored] pack holster. Even a good fighting knife will help. Or ride with a rhodesian ridgeback.
typical mountain lion attack consists of pouncing on prey with a clampdown on spine. People on bikes re not deer. You will br knocked over nd the tumble of bike person and cat will result in some confusion. This will give enough time to draw pistol from [censored] pack holster. Even a good fighting knife will help. Or ride with a rhodesian ridgeback.
After some minor research (see link below), it appears you yave a better chance then I thought.
typical mountain lion attack consists of pouncing on prey with a clampdown on spine. People on bikes re not deer. You will br knocked over nd the tumble of bike person and cat will result in some confusion. This will give enough time to draw pistol from [censored] pack holster. Even a good fighting knife will help. Or ride with a rhodesian ridgeback.
After some minor research (see link below), it appears you yave a better chance then I thought.
Yes, always carry a 3" blade and a bag of "heavy binders" for optimum protection!
---- "The lion retreated after it was stabbed once with the 3" blade of a Swiss army knife, attacked again, and then left after the hiker "jabbed his thumb in the lion's eye". ---- Jim Jones, an area wildlife manager for the Colorado Division of Wildlife, said that the lion probably wasn't driven away by the hiker's action, but instead "just lost interest", since lions are used to receiving wounds from their prey ----- The cougar attacked Jon's neck and knocked him off the bike. The hood of Jon's coat prevented initial injury, but on the ground the cougar continued attacking his neck. Elliot Cole, 39, saw the struggle, stopped his truck, yelled at the cougar, then hit the cougar with a bag filled with heavy binders ----
Please note, these methods may not work on a "pack of hotdog weiners".
typical mountain lion attack consists of pouncing on prey with a clampdown on spine. People on bikes re not deer. You will br knocked over nd the tumble of bike person and cat will result in some confusion. This will give enough time to draw pistol from [censored] pack holster. Even a good fighting knife will help. Or ride with a rhodesian ridgeback.
After some minor research (see link below), it appears you yave a better chance then I thought.
Yes, always carry a 3" blade and a bag of "heavy binders" for optimum protection!
---- "The lion retreated after it was stabbed once with the 3" blade of a Swiss army knife, attacked again, and then left after the hiker "jabbed his thumb in the lion's eye". ---- Jim Jones, an area wildlife manager for the Colorado Division of Wildlife, said that the lion probably wasn't driven away by the hiker's action, but instead "just lost interest", since lions are used to receiving wounds from their prey ----- The cougar attacked Jon's neck and knocked him off the bike. The hood of Jon's coat prevented initial injury, but on the ground the cougar continued attacking his neck. Elliot Cole, 39, saw the struggle, stopped his truck, yelled at the cougar, then hit the cougar with a bag filled with heavy binders ----
Please note, these methods may not work on a "pack of hotdog weiners".
HTH,
My favorite was the guy who used his bike to fend off the animal. Remember to keep your bike in good condition in case you need to use it as a shield.
"The lion retreated after it was stabbed once with the 3" blade of a Swiss army knife, attacked again, and then left after the hiker "jabbed his thumb in the lion's eye".
Oooh, mountain lions just *hate* being jabbed in the eye!
[Which is why my touring bike is equipped with the Myracle "jabomatic bell" when I ride in Montana.]
