A cougar is more beautiful running free than mounted as a trophy or locked in a cage. The cougar is neither threatened nor endangered, but it is suffering from habitat loss and human intrusion. Young cougars are finding it more difficult to establish their own territories. When people visit the backcountry, they are in cougar habitat, in their territory. Keep this in mind and follow some basic rules.
Cougars are shy, secretive cats and typically avoid contact with people.
Few people ever see this elusive cat in the wild, but sightings and encounters have increased in recent years. In areas of known cougar sightings, do not hike alone. Keep children close to you when hiking and pick them up if you see fresh signs of a cougar. Avert your gaze and speak to it in a calm voice. Do not turn your back on the cougar.