A Rare and Risky Encounter in the Wild
Idaho Fish and Game staff members often find themselves in some of the most breathtaking and remote areas of the state, where they perform critical work to monitor and manage wildlife populations. This fieldwork is not only essential for understanding animal behavior and maintaining healthy ecosystems but also comes with its share of risks. One such incident recently captured attention, highlighting the unpredictable nature of working in the wild.
In October, a wildlife technician from the Southwest Region was tasked with conducting a cause-of-death investigation for a GPS-collared mule deer buck in the Owyhees. This particular investigation was part of an ongoing research project aimed at identifying factors that influence the survival of male deer, including seasonal patterns, hunting methods, and the accessibility of different areas to hunters.
When the technician arrived at the location indicated by the GPS collar, she encountered an adult mountain lion along with two juveniles near the deer carcass. Such encounters are rare, and this situation presented a potentially dangerous scenario. Typically, these interactions involve a mother protecting her young or a lone lion defending a cached meal. However, in this case, the mountain lion did not back down, making it a high-stakes moment for the technician.
The video recorded during this encounter serves as a valuable educational tool on how to respond to such situations. Here are some key steps to take when facing a mountain lion:
- Do not run – Running can trigger the lion's instinct to chase.
- Do not turn your back – Stay face-to-face with the animal and avoid crouching or hiding.
- Slowly back away – Give the lion a clear escape route while maintaining eye contact.
- Try to appear larger – Stand tall and use gestures to make yourself look more imposing.
- Use noise and objects – Shout, wave your arms, and throw items if the lion does not retreat.
Mountain lions are known to be shy and elusive creatures, and their typical response to human presence is to flee. This is especially true when people are making noise to announce their arrival, which is common practice for Fish and Game staff investigating potential lion kills. Despite this, encountering a mountain lion during these investigations remains uncommon.
Recent studies in the Owyhees have shown that mountain lion predation is a significant cause of death for both mule deer and California bighorn sheep. As a result, Fish and Game staff anticipate the possibility of encountering a mountain lion whenever they receive a mortality signal from a GPS collar in these regions.
Brian Pearson, the Southwest Regional Communications Manager based in Nampa, emphasized the importance of these field investigations and the need for proper safety protocols. The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by those who work in the wild and the critical role they play in preserving Idaho’s natural resources.
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