What does a Mountain lion do when it's scared?

I wasn't the only one surprised by the outcome described in this article in the Prescott Daily Courier The news bite- that as of writing has sparked 174 colorful comments- tells of a mountain lion spotted in a neighborhood adjacent to the Antelope Hills Golf Course in Prescott, Arizona. The lion hid briefly in some bushes, ran when it was approached, and climbed a tree in an attempt to escape his pursuers. Wildlife officials gave chase. They successfully darted the animal, safely removed him from the tree, and, here's the kicker, wait for it.... killed him.

Inquiring minds want to know why local wildlife managers killed the lion. Usually in articles like these, officials cite not being able to safely capture the animal as the reason for going the more lethal route. But given that they were able to safely capture it, this isn't the usual scenario. According to the article, they deemed this a "category 1 lion." which, based on the Arizona state mountain lion management protocol, has to be removed from the population. They say this was necessary because the lion did not appear to be afraid of people (emphasis my own), and so was deemed a threat to humans.

There are a number of flaws with this logic. But for now I'll take on the most obvious - that the lion was not afraid of people. It shouldn't take an experienced lion tracker to tell you that a mountain lion that has gone up a tree is scared, but since I am one, I'll tell you: A mountain lion that has gone up a tree is scared. It displayed all the classic signs of a lion fleeing an uncomfortable and deadly situation.

Taking refuge high up on a tree branch is a life-saving strategy lions have evolved that historically protected them from their natural enemies, like for instance a pack of wolves. Eons ago, lions quickly learned that wolves can't climb trees. so when they were in danger, they leapt out of harm's reach by running away and climbing up a try. But this ancient survival tactic is not as useful when the enemies have firearms. Other behavior typical of a lion in retreating from danger could include hiding in caves, in dense vegetation, on top of rocks or ledges, or simply running in the opposite direction.

The mountain lion in Prescott ran from people, hid in bushes, ran when approached again, and climbed up a tree. Anyone who alleges this lion was not displaying fear is completely ignorant about mountain lion behavior... But to be fair, who amongst us isn't? It's true that most people don't really know much about mountain lions. And resources describing their behavior are few and far between. I mean, if you google "What does a mountain lion do when its scared?" the results are random and totally unhelpful. The first hit is a blog about a some random trail runner's fear of mountain lions, and the second one is a vague reference to Freddy Krueger. Perhaps this is where the officials in Prescott got their information. I mean, we wouldn't want mountain lions systematically murdering people in their dreams....My point is, the public at large may not be well-schooled in lion behavior, but I would expect more from wildlife officials.

Given the dearth of information on the subject of mountain lion behavior, I've decided to publish a very detailed, highly scientific guide to interpreting mountain lion behavior based on my own research (see below).

How to Tell When a Mountain Lion Is Scared

An Unofficial Guide by Emily. All photos my own, unless otherwise indicated.


Example 1: Lion retreats up a tree.

Example 2: Freddy Krueger (photo not my own).

Any questions?