"There is a far greater risk, for example, of being struck by lightning than of being attacked by a mountain lion."(2)

Suggestions for those living in mountain lion country:
-Don’t feed wildlife (presence of prey attracts predators)
-Deer-proof your landscape: avoid using plants that deer prefer to eat.
-Landscape for safety: remove dense and/or low-lying vegetation, especially around children’s play areas; make it difficult for mountain lions to approach your yard unseen.
-Install outdoor lighting
-Keep pets secure: either bring pets in at night or keep them in a kennel with a secure top. Don’t feed pets outside.
-Keep livestock secure: place livestock in enclosed sheds and barns at night and be sure to secure all outbuildings.
-Keep children safe: Keep an eye on children playing outdoors. Make sure children are in before dusk, and not out before dawn. Teach children what to do if they encounter a mountain lion. (3)

What to do if you encounter a mountain lion:
-Do not hike alone
-Keep children close to you: wild mountain lions seem especially drawn to children.
-Do not approach a lion
-Do not run from a lion: running may stimulate the lion’s instinct to chase. Stand and face the animal, make eye contact
-Do not crouch down or bend over: a standing human is a difficult target for a lion
-Do all you can to appear larger: raise your arms; open your jacket
-Fight back if attacked: use any available "weapons" to dissuade attacker. (3-4)
-(From WA) If the animal does not flee and shows signs of aggression, be more assertive. Shout, wave your arms and throw rocks.

"Living with Wildlife in Washington- Cougars: Close Encounters." Washington Department of fish and Wildlife
supplementary info in addition to echoing what’s outlined above:

While hiking in Mountain Lion country:
-Do not approach dead animals, especially recently killed or partially covered deer or elk.
-Keep a clean camp. Do not leave pets tied at campsite.