“I’d be more concerned that they will get me”
I read stories about them on FR and to be honest... they are something I wouldn’t want to tangle with. I think the most frightening part of it is that they can stalk or hide (blend in and wait to pounce). Plus, they are big and I couldn’t outrun them. It is probably a good thing that I don’t live in an area with that problem... I would probably be the nutty neighbor who carried a gun to retrieve their mail. LOL!
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.
“It is probably a good thing that I don’t live in an area with that problem... I would probably be the nutty neighbor who carried a gun to retrieve their mail. LOL!”
I do live with AgencyPerson pampered panthers (local name for a cougar). After a number of articles about my views, my neighbors are finally going armed.
Elderly and small makes them prime prospects for predators.
PS Bears are also a local issue.
However, “When gunpowder speaks, beasts obey”.