Cougars are very dangerous animals. They generally avoid large adults but are drawn to children and small persons. Many a cougar has been succesfully driven from its intended human victim by a larger, stronger, determined male or female armed with rocks or a stick.
But its in the nature of the beast to employ stealth. It picks its target carefully, and attacks from behind, putting the victim at a disadvantage.
Like bears, humans and cougars can co-exist only of the critters are regularly hunted so they acquire a respect and fear for people.
They act in concert as well. One will "front" their prey and keep them engaged while the other sneaks up from behind. If you are confronted by a cougar, check your sixes, often.
LOL. Hunting in Massachusetts?? Did someone call for his highness?? Good thing Senator Kerry has some free time (thanks in part to the 76% absentee record), he can get his ammo and get into position...