Montana Mountain Lions: Just How Many Are There?

The Montana outdoors are some of the most stunning anywhere in the world. To be out in the forest or hiking in the mountains is something that thousands of Montanans enjoy all year round. I mean, who doesn't love to breath in the fresh air while being surrounded by all of the natural beauty?

Let's be honest, there are a lot of things in Montana that can kill you, and while the Grizzly Bear tops most lists, that's not the animal that scares me most.

READ MORE: 5 Montana hikes to avoid the crowds

Now, don't get me wrong, I certainly wouldn't want to be confronted by a Grizzly, the speed and strength alone are frightening. Nothing that big, should be that fast. However, they're big and loud and it's not too often they catch you by surprise.

That's not the case with our friend the mountain lion.

I've never really been a fan of cats, big or small, and the idea of enjoying myself in nature while a mountain lion stalks me, well, that's the stuff of nightmares. A male mountain lion can weigh up to 220 pounds and the fact that they like to "pounce" on you doesn't bring me comfort.

How many mountain lions are in Montana?

While Montana doesn't have the most mountain lions (that honor goes to Texas) we do have the 2nd most. In fact, according to the numbers, there are over 5300 hundred mountain lions roaming Montana.

According to the facts, you are more likely to fall in your bathtub than be attacked by a mountain lion. Also, according to the facts, there are only 4 to 6 attacks annually in North America per year.

If you are out and about in Montana, here are some tips regarding mountain lions:

• hike in groups
• make noise at dawn and dusk
• keep children and pets close
• carry bear spray

Once again, the odds are in your favor, but it's never a bad thing to be prepared while enjoying the outdoors.

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