A terrifying incident occurred on a trail in Washington, as a group of five cyclists were attacked by a cougar on Saturday afternoon. The attack resulted in one woman being sent to the hospital, while the conditions of the other four bikers are unknown. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife revealed that they managed to remove one subadult cougar from the scene, but there may be another cougar still at large.
Cougars, also known as mountain lions, are rarely seen and attacks on humans are incredibly rare, according to the National Park Service. Since 1924, there have been only around two dozen recorded encounters between cougars and humans that resulted in documented injuries. Unfortunately, there was a deadly attack in 2018, highlighting the potential danger that these animals can pose.
This recent attack is not the first time that cougars have targeted humans in Washington. In July 2023, an 8-year-old camper survived a cougar attack with minor injuries. The National Park Service credited the child’s survival to the quick thinking of their mother, who yelled at the animal and scared it away. Additionally, a 9-year-old girl also survived a cougar attack in Washington in 2022.
Cougars are the largest members of the cat family found in Washington, with adult males weighing an average of 140 pounds. Adult females, on the other hand, rarely exceed 110 pounds in weight. These elusive creatures are most active during the night, from dusk until dawn.
Experts caution against running when encountering a cougar, as it may trigger the animal’s predatory instincts. Instead, individuals should gather together to present a larger, more intimidating presence and make loud noises. If the cougar displays signs of aggression, such as baring its teeth and hissing, officials recommend shouting, waving arms, and throwing any objects available.
According to guidelines from the state Department of Fish and Wildlife, the goal is to convince the cougar that humans are not prey, but rather a potential threat. In the event of an attack, individuals should fight back aggressively and try to stay on their feet. It has been observed that cougars have been successfully driven away by people who have fought back using whatever objects they could find, including sticks, rocks, shovels, backpacks, and even their bare hands.
While the details of this recent cougar attack are still emerging, it serves as a reminder of the importance of remaining vigilant when venturing into areas where these majestic yet potentially dangerous creatures reside. The incident also highlights the need to follow safety guidelines and take appropriate measures to protect oneself in the event of an encounter with a cougar.
As authorities continue their search for the second cougar involved in the attack, we hope for a swift recovery for the injured woman and that this incident serves as a catalyst for increased awareness and precautions among outdoor enthusiasts in cougar-inhabited regions.
