I have a second home in Pennsylvania and just about three months ago I was told by someone I believe that some hunters had positively seen a mountain lion two years ago in an area roughly 10 miles from my house.
Given the cougar’s ability to travel long distances, I have taken to holstering my .357 magnum when I take my dog for walks up there (I’m in Virginia right now).
But as you point out, they can hide and blend into the forest and wait for you (even, as I have read, up in a tree above your path). In which case, if they’re around, I stand little chance.
Oh well, I’m old and have had a good life.
“I’m old and have had a good life”.
Nonsense, OldPossum! You are still very young at heart. You keep carrying that .357 and you stay safe! It wouldn’t surprise me at all if they were in Virginia or Pennsylvania. I would be glancing around for those big paw prints but you know what... there are a lot of predators (4 legged and 2 legged) around us all the time. IMHO, the .357 is sort of your “equalizer” and you should have it on all your walks!
Maybe try the old tiger trick of wearing a mask on the back of your head?
“... if they’re around, I stand little chance.
Oh well, I’m old and have had a good life.”
Actually, with a handgun in a secure holster, you have a small window of time to draw and shoot the cat. They rarely kill at the first bite.
They often go for a face bite, them suffocate the prey by biting down on the front of the face and using their lips to cover and seal off the mouth and nose of the prey.
Time to draw, feel something warm and furry and SHOOT THE SUMB*TCH!