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How about a scenario where your family becomes the target of a mountain lion's attack?

Encountering wildlife while in nature often includes coming face-to-face with predators like mountain lions. In the event of a family attack by one, it's crucial to know the right response.

Preying on Family Tragedy: Mountain Lion Assaults Family Members
Preying on Family Tragedy: Mountain Lion Assaults Family Members

How about a scenario where your family becomes the target of a mountain lion's attack?

Protecting Your Family from Mountain Lions: Lessons from Game Warden John Nores

In the heart of Southern California's Cleveland National Forest, a family embarked on a summer hike, little knowing they would face a terrifying encounter with a mountain lion. Game Warden John Nores, familiar with the area's mountain lion presence, shared his expertise on how to handle such situations.

As they trekked along, Warden Nores kept a pistol holstered and accessible, while his family, consisting of a couple and their two children, ages 10 and 7, followed closely behind. The area was known for mountain lion attacks, and Warden Nores was prepared.

If a mountain lion is encountered, Warden Nores advises not to run away. Instead, maintain constant eye contact with the cougar, make loud noises, and wave arms to gain distance from the animal. He also emphasises the importance of keeping children in the middle or front of the group to prevent a cougar ambush from the rear.

In case of an attack, fighting back is key to breaking free. Warden Nores advises being ready to use any available defensive weapons like rocks, sticks, knives, and other instruments. He also recommends carrying a firearm if the situation allows for a safe shot, but stresses the importance of knowing the local self-defense laws, particularly regarding mountain lion attacks.

Warden Nores carries trauma gear for gunshots, broken bones, and deep puncture wounds that generate heavy arterial bleeding. He also carries an Iridium satellite phone for remote backcountry areas without cell coverage. If a mountain lion attacks one of the children, immediate action is critical, with one parent remaining behind with the other child and attempting to call for help, while the other moves in to rescue the child.

Preparation before entering such areas includes carrying extra water, food, a map (in case of lost cell coverage), and wearing appropriate footwear to aid swift movement if necessary. Breaking food items down into quart or gallon Ziploc bags reduces or eliminates fresh food smells on the trail.

If service isn't available as they continue back to their Jeep, or they can't reach anyone, they'd call for help via their ham radio. The trailhead is off Ortega Highway between San Juan Capistrano and Lake Elsinore, California, and the hike is to a secluded area with natural hot springs.

Warden Nores advises hiking in numbers, as attacks are less likely in a group. He also warns that California mountain lions are protected mammals and can only be dispatched for public safety reasons (verified attack or potential attack) and/or in depredation cases (livestock, pet loss, etc.). Be prepared for the investigation that'll ensue if a lion has to be dispatched with a firearm.

Proper research, preparation, and knowledge of the potential dangers in the outdoor environment are crucial for survival in case of an animal or mountain lion attack. Warden Nores' family packs essentials for a hike, including a first-aid kit, snacks, water, sunscreen, and bug spray.

In the event of a mountain lion attack, Warden Nores will engage the lion with enough shots to the cat's vital zone to stop the threat and force the release of the victim. Medical assistance will be a long time in coming, so it's essential to tend to any injuries as best as possible—apply pressure to bleeding wounds, keep the child calm, and prevent shock.

Since there is no immediate medical help or cell service, move carefully toward safety or a location with help, while keeping the child secure and monitored for signs of distress. These steps synthesize effective defensive actions for protecting a child during a mountain lion encounter, emphasising physical protection, intimidation, and aggressive defense as needed.

Remember, the wilderness is an untamed area, and the natural order of things is for larger animals to prey on smaller ones. People need to be prepared and never take Mother Nature for granted when venturing into the wilderness.

In light of Warden John Nores' advice on mountain lion encounters, it's vital to prioritize education and self-development by learning the proper response in such situations, as part of general news coverage. Similarly, for sports enthusiasts who enjoy hiking, being aware of the local presence of mountain lions, their behavior, and strategies to handle an encounter could prevent accidents.

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