What really saved the three girls was being aware of what was going on around them. They saw the Lion BEFORE the situation turned bad. That has always been and always will be, the first line of defense, against wild animals, domesticated animals and human animals. Far too many folks walk thru life looking at the ground or not paying attention to their surroundings. Why so many folks get lost also. Having the proper tools(like bear spray/aggressive behavior) doesn't work if the bear(or lion in this case) is already chewing on your face.
What part of the country are you in?Twice, I have been stalked by a bobcat. Both times, I seen them, before they located me and my rifle ended the situation, post haste.
I have seen mountain lion tracks, around my pond in the back pasture. I have lost 2 calves, in 3 years. S-i-L was riding 3-wheeler and saw a mountain lion, crouched under the cedar tree, on top of the dam. I do not go to the pasture without a firearm. Rattlesnakes are a real threat, though I have only seen 1 in 12 years. Our biggest threat, 1 believe, is dog packs.
3 times, I have encountered a pack of dogs. Running is definitely going to end badly. Standing your ground is probably not going to intimidate a pack of domestic dogs gone bad. Having a gun of any type is the only solution.
We were headed to our deer lease one summer, to clean up camp, let the kids ride 4-wheelers and just relax in the woods. As we got to camp, a buddy as leaving and warned us about a pack of wild dogs, 12-16 it had been reported, running in the area.
Our second night, I was awakened about 2am. My Labrador was barking, plus I could hear some other growling and snarling. The 3 kids were asleep in the cabin, Wif and I were in the Suburban ( with A/C ).
I look out and could see ( full moon ) my Lab, at the back of the Suburban in a defensive posture. A pack of dogs running in a circle around the truck, like Indians circling the wagons.
I had grabbed my 1911, when awakened. I opened the door and jumped out ( smart or NOT, I did ). I started shooting and hit 3 dogs. They scattered. I see a large white dog (reported as leader of the pack) running down a wide trail, where we 4-wheeled, with a black dog ( my Lab) giving chase. I take aim and call my Lab to heel. At which time, I get cold nosed.
Instant mag dump! Here I stand, middle of camp, in my tighty-whiteys, thinking I am watching my dog chase a wild dog and my dog has my back.
So happy cell phone cameras didn't exist. Wif still laughs about it. Kids slept through it all.
The dogs were never seen on our lease again. They were reported being a couple miles away and 1 or 2 getting shot every so often.
I liked that the video covered being mentally prepared, but it didn't mention having good situational awareness while out in the field. This is always a #1 concern for survival in ANY location, even, say, downtown in a busy high crime area. I got a kick when the narrator asks what if I don't have time to draw my pistol? (wondering if bear spray is a better option) Then proceeds to show bear spray... also strapped onto a vest, and needing to be drawn to be used effectively. When the guy at the end tries to spray his (still on the vest) he fails with the remote controlled bear.
Personally, I'd want both, but If I was very concerned about being in bear country, I'd probably be hiking around with one, or the other out, and in my hand, or I'd go for the pistol, since I'm quicker with that. The speed these animals can be upon you is surprising.
It’s completely impractical to be hand carrying a pistol or bear spray all day long while you are hiking, glassing, hunting or just being in the back country. I know it sounds like a good idea but it simply wouldn’t work out for very long.
What part of the country are you in?
SW Oklahoma
Most around here, GW included, sear there are no cougars in the area.
I am only 2 miles from Red River, lots of deer, hogs and thick cover. Several people have seen the big cats and captured them on game cams, too. A big, solid black cat has been seen multiple times, for the past 4 years.
Claim is it is a Mexican panther
IDK, but is around 175# they say
It’s completely impractical to be hand carrying a pistol or bear spray all day long while you are hiking, glassing, hunting or just being in the back country. I know it sounds like a good idea but it simply wouldn’t work out for very long.
[QUOTE="Zerodefect, post: 12062434, member: 9400]Until my light failed 432 feet under water.
Mexican panther? As in a Jaguar?
A Mt Lion is the same species whether it’s in Canada, USA, Mexico or South America and there’s never been a black coated one documented. It is a common myth however, right up there with big foots and chupacabras. Clay Newcomb just did a pod cast on the myth of the “black panther” in America. People swear up and down that they see black panthers all the time. The fact of the matter is there has never been a documented black Mt Lion.
As far as Mt Lions in SW Oklahoma goes I can guarantee you they are there. They are in a Texas just south of you and I’ve seen one in the flesh down around Quanah/Paducah.
Howdah is a good idea. Maybe you could market the Joe Exotic Howdah!Those claiming seeing the "black" cat are "run across the highway, in front of my truck" or somebody making fun of the person sho encountered a cougar.
The "argument" has gone on for years
I know cougars are in the area. The black panther, I seriously doubt, but one could have escaped captivity. After all, we have a nut job that keeps tigers.
Maybe I should be carrying a Howdah, in the woods?
Howdah is a good idea. Maybe you could market the Joe Exotic Howdah!
Sorry for the bad joke, when I heard tigers and Oklahoma the remnant portion of my juvenile brain instantly kicked in.Not interested in anything with that Jackass name on it.
Florida has/had black panthers IIRC. Endangered species.
View attachment 1027167
I saw one at night in devils garden. Could not confirm if mountain lion or panther.
One of my concerns in regards to this event is that it prevents these people and their class mates from enjoying the outdoors in the future. I’d hate to see that happen.
Sorry for the bad joke, when I heard tigers and Oklahoma the remnant portion of my juvenile brain instantly kicked in.
In any case I have seriously enjoyed our members thoughts on situational awareness, preparedness and carry option.
One of my concerns in regards to this event is that it prevents these people and their class mates from enjoying the outdoors in the future. I’d hate to see that happen.