Over the last few years, Utah mountain lions have captured national attention for chasing hikers off the mountains. (see videos below). These mountain lion encounters are becoming more and more common in Utah. Just recently scrolling through Facebook I saw another Mountain lion had been spotted in someone’s yard in Provo, Utah. Also, as we have set up trail cameras in the Springville area, we have found multiple mountain lions just close to people’s homes. So what’s happening with Utah mountain lions? Are they becoming more aggressive as time goes on? Are the increased encounters coming from major population growth?
Population Growth, Utah Mountain Lions
Utah currently has a growing population of mountain lions. We currently have 2,500 mountain lions. Because the mountain lion population is growing at an impressive rate, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources in 2020 adjusted the number of mountain lions that needed to be hunted. They came to this decision after working with state biologists and other wildlife experts. However, due to there being only 2,500 cougars in Utah, it is still very rare to see one. It is also even more rare to have one chase you down like in the videos above. This could be one of the reasons these encounters have increased though.
Utah Precipitation
Another reason that mountain lion encounters could be on the rise could be due to a lack of precipitation in the state. Utah is already considered a desert however, over the past few years precipitation in Utah has been less than normal. Due to these drought conditions, mountain lions have to go farther distances and cover more ground to find water. This gives more opportunity to run into one of these huge cats, especially for hikers. This year (2021) is expected to be one of the driest years on record for Utah. Utah wildlife experts have recently warned that due to these drought conditions wildlife encounters this year could increase drastically from animals searching for water and food sources.
What to do If You Encounter a Cougar
Most of the time if you are lucky enough to see a mountain lion they will not give you the time of day and try their best to avoid you. Also, most dangerous encounters can be avoided by hiking with other people. However, if you do encounter an aggressive mountain lion there are a few things you can do to get away.
Mountain Lion Encounter To Do List
- Carry Pepper Spray!
- Mountain lions like normal house cats have very sensitive noses. Pepper spray will aggravate them and in most cases cause them to leave very quickly. This is probably one of the most effective ways to scare a cougar away.
- Stay Calm
- If you panic there is a higher chance that you won’t be able to think very clearly and are more prone to make irrational decisions.
- Be Big and Noisey
- Mountain lions are very smart animals. They will rarely attack something that looks too big to handle. Pick up sticks or take off jackets and wave them around. However, NEVER take your eyes off the mountain lion. Also, being loud is intimidating, and if your hiking in a populous area could bring other hikers to help you.
- Back Away Slowly
- A lot of times encounters with aggressive mountain lions come from female mountain lions protecting their cubs. If you get away from them, the momma mountain lion will leave you alone.
- Keep Being Loud
- If the cougar leaves continue to back away slowly and keep being big and loud for a while. This will help encourage the mountain lion to stay away and get you farther away from the mountain lion.
- Get Away and Alert Local Wildlife Officials
- Once the lion is gone and you feel safe, quickly get away and alert your local wildlife officials. Alerting local wildlife officials makes it possible for more people to know there is an aggressive mountain lion in the area, helping people to be prepared or avoid the area it could be.
Utah Mountain Lions
Utah, known for its breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife, has recently made a significant change in its approach to managing the population of mountain lions. These majestic predators, once revered for their strength and beauty, have now been reclassified and placed into a category that puts them on par with nuisance animals. This reclassification has sparked considerable debate and raised concerns among wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists alike.
Under the new regulations, individuals seeking to hunt mountain lions in Utah are only required to possess a small game hunting permit. This shift in policy has sparked a flurry of discussions about the potential consequences for the lion population and the delicate balance of ecosystems in the region. Many fear that this relaxed approach to hunting these big cats could have far-reaching effects on the environment.
One of the primary motivations behind this reclassification is to address the increasing number of human encounters with mountain lions. By categorizing them as nuisance animals, authorities hope to reduce the frequency of such encounters and mitigate potential risks to human safety. While this change may initially seem like a practical solution to a growing problem, it has also raised concerns among wildlife experts who argue that alternative measures, such as public education and habitat preservation, could be more effective in minimizing conflicts between humans and mountain lions.
Critics of the new regulations argue that categorizing mountain lions as nuisance animals undermines their ecological significance and fails to acknowledge their crucial role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. These animals play a vital part in controlling prey populations, which in turn affects the balance of other species within the region. By treating mountain lions solely as nuisances, there is a risk of disrupting this delicate equilibrium and potentially causing unintended consequences for other wildlife populations.
Furthermore, some conservationists point out that the reclassification may result in a decline in the number of mountain lions in the long run. With a relaxed hunting permit requirement, there is a higher likelihood of increased hunting pressure on the lion population. This could lead to imbalances in the age and sex ratios among mountain lions, potentially affecting their overall genetic diversity and reproductive success.
The decision to reclassify mountain lions in Utah has certainly sparked a contentious dialogue within the state’s wildlife management community. Balancing the need of human safety with the preservation of ecological integrity is a complex task, requiring careful consideration of scientific data and expert opinions.
As time progresses, the true impact of these new regulations on mountain lions and the Utah ecosystem as a whole will become clearer. It remains to be seen whether encounters between humans and mountain lions will indeed decrease as intended, or if alternative approaches will need to be explored to ensure the long-term sustainability of these magnificent creatures and their habitats.
Let Us Know!
If you see a mountain lion or get a picture of a mountain lion on a trail camera, let us know! We would love to hear where Utah mountain lions are and keep a record so other people can be aware of where to find them! Send us an email at: backyardtrailcamera.com!
If you would like to learn more about mountain lions click below!