"There have been only 13 fatal encounters by humans with cougars in the last century. To put this into perspective, about 300 people have been killed by bee stings and more than 1,000 have died in hunting-related accidents for each fatality from cougars."(86)

"The most serious damage these animals do is their occasional predation on livestock and pets."(88)

"Like most large predators they may appear calm and confident when encounters with humans do occur, and this attitude can be disarming to people who expect all wild animals to be fearful of encounters with humans."(88)

"An important precaution is not to run if a cougar is encountered- this may simulate prey behavior and provoke an attack. Remain standing and try to appear larger, by raising your arm or opening your jacket. An umbrella rapidly opened and closed while facing the animal can be highly intimidating. Otherwise, throwing rocks or sticks and yelling are advised. Do not approach the cougar and expect it to be intimidated. In the unlikely event of an attack, it is recommended that you fight back in any way you can."(89)

To prevent cougars lurking around your home, "it is recommended that wildlife (raccoons, deer and other mammals) not be fed…. Dense and low-lying vegetation or thickets can be removed or pruned to allow good visibility and discourage a cougar from trying to use them as cover."(89)

"Pets should be kept inside or in a secure outdoor kennel, and livestock should be housed in secure outdoor buildings."(89)