Attacks & Safety

Attacks in the British Isles

Over the years, there are purported to have been nine verified attacks by big cats on human beings. I cannot get an exact figure. The most recent attack, and most publicised was the attack, this year in Wales on Josh. Whilst playing in woods, he saw a black fury tail under a bush. He jumped round the bush thinking it was his own pet cat. It wasn’t. He was promptly confronted by a somewhat shocked Black Leopard. Fortunately for Josh the cat had no intent to kill. The cat reared up and swiped Joshs face. The claws of the cat were partly sheathed, and the swipe was more like the cat would give one of its cubs to disciplin it.

With Joshs attack, and those others recorded, I firmly believe it is time to offer safety guidelines as supplied by the US Park Ranger Service to members of the public who may encounter a big cat whilst out in the countryside. Hopefully any encounters will be from a safe distance. In areas where people are likely to encounter Pumas the US Park Ranger Service offer the following advice.

Avoid hiking alone, especially between dusk and dawn. This is when the Puma usually does its hunting. Make plenty of noise ie. talk, so as reduce the chances of surprising a Puma. Always keep children within arms reach in areas that could conceal a Puma. Pumas appear to be drawn to children. Hike with a stout stick: this could be useful to ward off a Puma.

If a Puma is encountered it is well to remember the following: They are solitary animals, and strongly territorial. They may have cubs, or you may have encountered a cub. DO NOT attempt to touch or approach the cub. The female will be close by. They are unpredictable and have been known to attack people. Pumas will normally avoid human contact at all cost. If a Puma is encountered it should most definately not be approached. If a Puma is encountered in an enclosed space, move aside and offer the cat an escape route. Always remain calm and maintain eye contact with the cat. DO NOT run away, this may trigger an attack response. Make yourself look bigger by raising your arms. Small chidren should be lifted to avoid them paniking, this will also make the person look larger. Avoid bending over or crouching. It is essential not to bend over or turn your back on the animal as this may induce the cats attack responses. If the Puma reacts aggressively (snarling, swiping with its paws etc) throwing anything at it may drive the animal away. In the event of an attack the only advice offered is to fight back. The Puma like the Leopard, will go for the neck or head bite so you must remain standing and facing the animal. People have on many occasions successfully driven of attacks with rocks, sticks and even thier bare hands. Fortunately such attacks are rare.

Let us hope this advice does not have to become part of the Country Code for the British Isles.

As I wrote above, these are guidelines offered in the US. However, the Puma in this country is still a big wild cat. Born and bred in the British countryside, it has evolved to survive here. It knows the countryside better than we do, and it will know its terriotory intimately. If you do walk regularly in known big cat areas, you would do well to take note of the guidelines.

Footnote: Warning: To ALL hunters in the British Isles. DO NOT attempt to try and shoot these cats with either shotgun or crossbow. These weapons cannot kill them from the distances you operate from. The cats will more often than not run at the source of their injuries. If this happens, the animal will kill you. To deer hunters with powerful rifles. Unless you in your heart know you have a ‘head’ or ‘heart’ shot, both of which will kill the animal, and are within a range that guarantees a KILL, do not fire the shot. The animal will probably come at you. Most importantly, one of these cats on the loose with serious wound injuries would pose a critical threat to public safety.

The sign below is to be seen regularly along moutain trails in California USA.



		....from cute to reality....in two seconds!