YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK — Yellowstone National Park (YNP) posted a Public Safety Announcement (PSA) on Facebook on Friday, Dec. 13, that wildlife safety is still a crucial component to consider during a trip to the area this winter.
“One of our residents that is active year-round is the mountain lion, or cougar,” YNP writes.
According to YNP, mountain lions are a top predator native to the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Typically, they are extremely elusive and averse to human activity. However, visitors should still always be cautious when visiting the Park. YNP recommends carrying bear spray and keeping it accessible.
“If you see a cougar, ACT BIG!” YNP writes. “Yell, show your teeth and make eye contact.”
YNP reports that there are an estimated 34 to 42 mountain lions (across all age and sex classes) on the northern range from most recent surveys. Others come into the Park seasonally. According to YNP, there are very few documented confrontations between cougars and humans in the Park.
YNP also asks anyone who spots a mountain lion to report the sighting to a ranger.
Mountain lions are currently facing habitat fragmentation and loss across the western U.S. Read more about mountain lion coexistence here, and tips for recreating in mountain lion country here.
