Mountain lion: Do not run, which can stimulate the animal's instinct to chase. Face the mountain lion and make yourself look as big as possible by raising your arms or opening your jacket. Put children on your shoulders. Don't bend over or crouch (even when picking up children) since that position makes you look a lot like a four-legged prey animal. Speak firmly and in a loud voice, but don't scream.
Bobcat: While there's no record of a bobcat attacking humans, it's a good idea if confronted by one to back out of the area slowly. Do not turn your back and run.
Coyote: Packs of coyotes can be more aggressive than a single animal. When entering an area that could be inhabited by coyotes, create noise and make yourself known. If confronted by several coyotes, make yourself look as large as possible, carry pets in your arms, and pick up children and put them on your shoulders.
Rattlesnake: Be aware of where you're walking. If you run into a rattlesnake, walk quickly in the opposite direction. A rattlesnake can only strike the distance of one-third its body length, so you don't have to run far.
Skunk: If you run into a skunk while hiking or cycling, walk away slowly.
"Walk in the opposite direction of the skunk's 'business end,' " Edinger says. "The best thing you can do is to put distance between you and the skunk."
Bear: Make as much noise as you can. Yell, blow whistles, bang pots and pans (at a campsite) and make yourself look as big as you can, by raising your arms or opening your jacket. If the bear comes closer, retreat by walking slowly backward. Do not turn and run.
General tips:
Be aware of your environment. Watch the trail and the surrounding areas carefully.
Pepper spray or mace may be effective against coyotes, mountain lions or bobcats.
A loud whistle can scare away bear and possibly mountain lions and coyotes.
Throw rocks or sticks at a mountain lion or coyote to convince it that you are not prey and that you may be a danger to it. It could be tricky picking up rocks or sticks without bending down; do it as soon as you spot the animal. If possible, try to lean to the side or back or use your foot to kick a stick upward toward your hand.
Don't stare down the animal.
"Direct eye contact can be seen in the animal world as a challenge," says Edinger who recommends slightly diverting your eyes, while still staying aware of the animal.
To prevent wildlife encounters near your home:
Don't leave pet food outdoors.
Trim ground-level shrubbery to reduce hiding places.
Store trash in tightly closed containers that cannot tip over.
Don't leave pets or small children outdoors unattended.
Pick up fallen fruit and cover compost piles.
Clean barbecues.
Install motion-sensitive lighting around the house and yard.
Bobcat: While there's no record of a bobcat attacking humans, it's a good idea if confronted by one to back out of the area slowly. Do not turn your back and run.
Coyote: Packs of coyotes can be more aggressive than a single animal. When entering an area that could be inhabited by coyotes, create noise and make yourself known. If confronted by several coyotes, make yourself look as large as possible, carry pets in your arms, and pick up children and put them on your shoulders.
Rattlesnake: Be aware of where you're walking. If you run into a rattlesnake, walk quickly in the opposite direction. A rattlesnake can only strike the distance of one-third its body length, so you don't have to run far.
Skunk: If you run into a skunk while hiking or cycling, walk away slowly.
"Walk in the opposite direction of the skunk's 'business end,' " Edinger says. "The best thing you can do is to put distance between you and the skunk."
Bear: Make as much noise as you can. Yell, blow whistles, bang pots and pans (at a campsite) and make yourself look as big as you can, by raising your arms or opening your jacket. If the bear comes closer, retreat by walking slowly backward. Do not turn and run.
General tips:
Be aware of your environment. Watch the trail and the surrounding areas carefully.
Pepper spray or mace may be effective against coyotes, mountain lions or bobcats.
A loud whistle can scare away bear and possibly mountain lions and coyotes.
Throw rocks or sticks at a mountain lion or coyote to convince it that you are not prey and that you may be a danger to it. It could be tricky picking up rocks or sticks without bending down; do it as soon as you spot the animal. If possible, try to lean to the side or back or use your foot to kick a stick upward toward your hand.
Don't stare down the animal.
"Direct eye contact can be seen in the animal world as a challenge," says Edinger who recommends slightly diverting your eyes, while still staying aware of the animal.
To prevent wildlife encounters near your home:
Don't leave pet food outdoors.
Trim ground-level shrubbery to reduce hiding places.
Store trash in tightly closed containers that cannot tip over.
Don't leave pets or small children outdoors unattended.
Pick up fallen fruit and cover compost piles.
Clean barbecues.
Install motion-sensitive lighting around the house and yard.
