Carson Nationwide Forest is the northernmost of 5 Nationwide Forests in New Mexico. It encompasses over 2,300 sq. miles of land and options a number of the best mountain surroundings within the Southwest. Carson Nation Forest is criss crossed by over 330 miles of mountaineering trails and is a superb vacation spot for adventurers searching for a wilderness expertise.
The Nationwide Forest land is house to all kinds of wildlife together with elk, mule deer, golden eagles, marmots, martens, picas, black bears and mountain lions. In 2023, The New Mexico Division of Sport & Fish estimated the statewide mountain lion inhabitants to three,494 cougars 18 months or older. Many of those large cats dwell in Carson Nationwide Forest.
Though mountain lions are elusive by nature, encounters can occur and its necessary to know the correct protocol when you come throughout one. This hiker was thru-hiking the Continental Divide Path within the Carson Nationwide Forest when she stumbled upon a younger mountain lion mendacity down in the course of the path. The girl tried scaring the mountain lion away with a deep guttural growl after which pulled out a harmonica she had been carrying in her shoulder pocket and performed it a fast few notes:
Whether or not or not it was the ability of music that in the end scared the mountain lion away is unknown however she did reply to the encounter appropriately by not working away, not bending over which might mimmic a four-legged prey animal and sustaining eye contact all through the tense standoff.
“I used to be thru-hiking the Continental Divide Path via New Mexico, and whereas I used to be strolling and speaking on the cellphone a younger cougar was mendacity down on the path proper in entrance of me. It popped up and I hung up as quick as I may and began recording. The sound you hear is a harmonica I’d been carrying in my shoulder pocket. I assumed if I made a sound it’d by no means heard earlier than it might choose out of attacking me. I assume it labored?”
United States Forest Service Mountain Lion Encounter Tips:
- For those who spot a mountain lion and the animal is unaware of you, alter your route in order that you’ll transfer away from its space.
- By no means strategy a mountain lion particularly one that’s feeding or with kittens.
- Most mountain lions will attempt to keep away from confrontation. At all times give them a solution to escape.
- Don’t run. Stay calm. Maintain your floor or again away slowly.
- Proceed dealing with the mountain lion, and keep eye contact.
- Do all you may to seem bigger; Stand upright, increase your arms, increase your strolling stick, open your jacket.
- If in case you have babies or pets with you, attempt to choose them up with out turning away or bending over.
- By no means bend over or crouch down, keep away from wanting like a four-legged prey animal . Once more, Don’t bend over to select up a rock or stick off the bottom. This motion might set off a pounce response in a mountain lion.
- If the lion behaves aggressively, wave your arms slowly and converse firmly in a loud voice, and throw objects just like the water bottle in your hand. The objective is to persuade it that you’re not prey and could also be harmful your self.
- Attempt to stay standing to guard your head and neck.
- If attacked, struggle again!! Use rocks, jackets, sticks to show away the mountain lions.
- Report any mountain lion encounters or incident to the native Ranger District, or Fish and Wildlife Workplace.
