Nature
Wild Cats of the Texas Hill Country: Have You Spotted Them?
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Mountain Lions
Photo: Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
The mountain lion is the largest of the Texas wild cats and tend to frequent hilly and mountainous areas, making the Texas Hill Country a prime spot for sightings. Their sleek, slender light brown coat makes it easy for these big cats to blend in with their environment. They prey on deer, hog, small mammals, and sometimes livestock. The mountain lion is a secretive cat and often lives alone, except during mating season. They are also quite dangerous if encountered.
Texas Parks and Wildlife offers a few pointers to keep in mind if you ever encounter a mountain lion:
- Carry pepper spray and use it if need be during an encounter
- Pick up small children to prevent them from turning and running. Running from a mountain lion could cause a rush attack.
- Stay calm, talk calmly, and back away slowly while maintaining eye contact. Do not run or turn your back.
- Try to appear larger to the mountain lion by raising your arms or waiving a stick.
- If the mountain lion is aggressive, throw rocks and sticks, and speack firmly and loudly.
- Fight back if you are attacked by a mountain lion. Do not play dead! Mountain lions can be driven off if you fight back, even children have driven off mountain lions by fighting back.
- If you are attacked by a mountain lion report it. In case of emergency, dial 9-1-1.
- If you have sighted a mountain lion, call the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to report it at (800) 792-1112.
