[bd476]

"Add fear to the mix and this guy being chewed on by the mountain kitty could have tossed a oldsmobile a few feet IMHO had he wanted..."

True, fear and adrenalin can do wonders for just about anyone.

"... good hiking staff/pole/stick with a metal spear like point will piss kitty off if ya have time and see him coming..."

See him coming is the operative phrase here. Cougars are the ghost cats or that's what I recall from watching a few too many "Wonderful World of Disney" feel good animal movies.

I remember trying to reassure myself by confirming with a local park ranger that "after all, cougars aren't like 'real lions in Africa' are they?"

His response: "A California Cougar can clear a 7 foot high chain link fence carrying a 140 pound deer in its mouth."

[Squantos]

If ya have to stand and fight better to have something other than nikes.....:o)

I have hunted cougars in the NM Manzano's and they are indeed strong. I'm glad I don't have to endure Cali's Gun Control.