Lions, tigers and bears, oh my!
phytogurl
Posts: 671 Member
So, I ride my mountain bike frequently, and it so happens to be in mountain lion country/ habitat. We've had a few sightings of adult lions in the area since last summer, and now a lion cub has been seen in an area that i ride in. To be honest, this kinda freaks me out! I have a small pocket knife, but I don't always carry it with me, as well as a whistle. I usually ride without a pack and travel light. We haven't had any issues at all with attacks from lions, but I definitely do not want to be the first! We also have an abundant amount of deer in the area, so that makes me feel a bit better. What do you do or carry when you're alone riding in predator country? Please share, as I would love to hear.
0
Replies
-
I think this offers some good advice.
http://www.americantrails.org/resources/wildlife/WildMtnLions.html
The biggest thing, is like a dog, keep the bike between you and the cat as much as possible. And realize that anything on your bike that comes off (an attached water bottle or air pump) can be used as weapons - they don't like something that fights back. Your best bets are the fact that you don't ride alone very often from what I've seen and if you had a noisy bell that might help too. Part of the idea of riding in the woods is the beauty and peace but if a bell can save your life, it would be worth it to have it on the bike.0 -
Thanks verde for providing the link. Some good tips in there that i haven't heard and some good reminders. I think I've been preoccupied lately with the thought of big cats out there since a couple of riders have mentioned them. I try to do my part of being a conscientious rider, no head phones so I can hear, telling my SO or my kids which area ill be in, but Its always in the back of my mind. I guess I should make it a point to carry my whistle with me all the time.0
-
I would carry a pack first off. A few things to possibly pack is pepper spray, air horn, and knife. The whistle you are carrying is a good idea.
I have and do occasionally carry my pistol. I know you probably don't want to go that route but it is a suggestion. When I have taken my pistol MTBing I have it in my pack obviously not loaded with the clip in my pocket. I do however take my pistol when I snowshoe in the winter time. We have had issues with coyote attacks around us. Plus whatever other nut jobs might be in the woods.
If you come across a big cat or bear don't run away as much as your instinct is too. Be very slow in your movements. Chances are they will spook off.0 -
Wheel gun would be nice, but mountain lions are faster... They don't typically attack by coming at you head on, slowly.
An unloaded pistol i wouldn't trust... Dont think i could dig it out and slap a magazine in by the time I needed it.0 -
I happen to agree with GetSoda - I don't think you could get anything out of a pack fast enough when dealing with a lion or a bear in the initial attack. The best thing a pack is for, since these animals tend to come from behind, is protecting your back and neck from the attack. That's why I was suggesting that what ever is on your bike and the bike itself be the weapon(s). Do you Strava record your rides? That history would certainly help anyone doing a search for you and would perhaps get help to you faster since your family would be able to show them the route you said you were going to use. - And I also don't think pepper spray actually effects mnt lions. And unless done correctly, it's not much use on a bear either. If you have any wind you are actually more likely to get it all over yourself.
Like the new picture!0 -
I happen to agree with GetSoda - I don't think you could get anything out of a pack fast enough when dealing with a lion or a bear in the initial attack. The best thing a pack is for, since these animals tend to come from behind, is protecting your back and neck from the attack. That's why I was suggesting that what ever is on your bike and the bike itself be the weapon(s). Do you Strava record your rides? That history would certainly help anyone doing a search for you and would perhaps get help to you faster since your family would be able to show them the route you said you were going to use. - And I also don't think pepper spray actually effects mnt lions. And unless done correctly, it's not much use on a bear either. If you have any wind you are actually more likely to get it all over yourself.
Like the new picture!
Groups are probably the best defense against mountain lions!
0 -
I used to carry a pack, but my ride is heavy enough so I've gotten used to carrying water bottles, some essentials in my jersey pockets and I do have a seat pouch with a spare tube, co2 and such. I don't own a pistol so that is not an option, nor would I trust myself to carry it on my person while riding...eek! I found a slender air horn canister that I can carry in my jersey and I'm gonna keep the whistle in my sports bra, ( yeah, I know tmi) but its an efficient spot that I can get to in a hurry! I'm also thinking of getting a feed bag that I can strap on my top tube/ handle bars...small and light weight that I could carry a bigger pocket knife.
I've tried looking on line in the past for some type of knife or or weapon that can I can carry on myself without injuring myself. I'm surprised that their isn't more out there, for cyclists or runners.
Yeah, I'm not on strava yet, but you make a great point for tracking purposes!0
