A man on a quick workout ended up running with a mountain lion, and he has video to prove it.
Here’s the clip:
The video posted by Instagram user @danny.g.snell begins after he notices he’s running with a mountain lion along a dirt trail. Fortunately, the poster thinks quickly and slows down to face the cougar. Danny can be heard saying, “No, no,” and then “Good kitty” once the animal runs off.
“Lunch Run with a surprise,” said Danny. “First time seeing one this close, hopefully the last.”
While the encounter may seem brief, the video shows the powerful animal just feet away from Danny. It’s far closer than anyone should want to be to a mountain lion.
What to Do if You’re Accidentally Running with a Mountain Lion
As mentioned, Danny did the right thing by slowing down and facing the animal.
According to the Mountain Lion Foundation, the last thing you want to do is run from the animal, as this can trigger a chase instinct. Multiple reports suggest mountain lions can reach speeds of 40 to 50 miles per hour, easily fast enough to catch a person.
Instead, if you see a mountain lion while on a trail, stop and face it. Maintain eye contact. Do not approach the animal, but slowly back away. It’s best to appear large and loud to intimidate a cougar. If you are attacked, you must fight back.
“Finally, it’s important to remember that the mere presence of mountain lions near a trail should not be cause for fear or alarm,” writes the Mountain Lion Foundation. “We are in their habitat, and they are inclined to avoid us, especially when we take these steps.”
The exact location of the video isn’t shared, but Danny hashtagged it with South San Jose Hills, which is part of the Los Angeles Metro area. This is a reminder that even in urban areas, you can still encounter wildlife. Preparation is key.