A group of mountain bikers took an unexpected break when they came across a cougar drinking from a puddle in the middle of the trail. Someone captured a video of the mountain lion, which takes a brief break of its own to stare at the humans watching it from farther up on the trail.
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Conejo Valley Guide shared the video to its Instagram page, saying the mountain bikers had this encounter in Point Mugu State Park along the California coast. Specifically, Conejo Valley Guide says the group spotted this thirsty cougar in the lower part of Sycamore Canyon.
[RELATED: Sound on: Baby Mountain Lions Make the Cutest Noise]
The National Park Service (NPS) recommends the following safety tips when you encounter a cougar in the wild:
- Do not approach a mountain lion. Always give the animal a way to escape.
- Do not run, crouch down, or bend over.
- Appear large and intimidating. Raise your arms, open your jacket, pick up small children, speak loudly, and throw stones, branches, or whatever you can reach.
- Fight back if the animal attacks.
Watch a cougar drinking from a puddle on a trail in California here:
Just a few days ago, another California-based account shared footage of mountain lions in the same state park. It’s a poignant reminder that when we recreate outdoors, we’re in wild animals’ territory.
See four mountain lions in Point Mugu State Park here:
Header stock image by Lillian King/Getty Images
