NORTH CASCADES NATIONAL PARK – Trails and camping areas have been closed in North Cascades National Park due to cougar activity in the area, according to the National Park Service.
Thunder Creek Trail is closed all the way to its junction with Fourth of July Trail. Thunder and Thunder Group camps are also off limits until further notice in the Washington park.
The picture posted on the North Cascades National Park Instagram page (see image above) appears to be a young mountain lion, perhaps still with its mother. Cubs stay with their mothers for up to two years. However, it’s not clear whether that’s an image of the cat that caused the closure or if it is just a file photo.
Mountain lions are not frequently spotted in the wild because they are very reclusive creatures.
“Cougars are mainly nocturnal creatures, rarely seen,” says the NPS. “They favor dense forests that provide good stalking cover while hunting. Cougars also take advantage of steep canyons and rock outcroppings to remain hidden.”
“If by some rare chance, you meet the ghost cat of the Cascades, consider it a gift,” says the NPS.
Here are some NPS safety tips for hiking in cougar country.
For your safety:
- Never approach a cougar, especially a feeding one. Cats are unpredictable, but will normally avoid a confrontation — give them a way out. In areas of known cougar sightings, do not hike alone.
- Keep children close to you when hiking and pick them up if you see fresh signs of a cougar.
If you encounter a cougar:
- Do not run. Avert your gaze and speak to it in a calm voice. Do not turn your back on the cougar. Hold your ground or back away slowly. Sudden movement or flight may trigger an instinctive attack.
- Spread your arms, open your coat — do all you can to enlarge your image.
If the cougar act aggressively:
- Wave your arms, shout, and throw rocks or sticks. If you are attacked, fight back. Do not “play dead.”
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