Big cats like cougars, bobcats, and black bears are vital to healthy ecosystems. As human activity expands into wild areas, encounters with these apex predators are becoming more common — and recent media reports have heightened public concern.
At Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge (TCWR), we teach visitors about the importance of these predators and how to coexist with them safely and respectfully. While attacks are sporadic, knowing how to react can protect people and wildlife.
Recent Media Events Involving Big Cats
Olympic National Park, Washington (2023–2025): A series of cougar incidents, including the July 2025 attack on a 4-year-old girl near the Victoria Overlook, have raised awareness about cougar safety. In 2023, another child was attacked but defended by their mother. Park officials responded by removing the responsible cougar.
- Georgia Bobcat Attack (April 2025): In Liberty County, a rabid bobcat attacked a camper. While rabies cases are rare, this highlights the importance of immediate medical care after wildlife encounters.
- Upstate New York Sighting (July 2025): Reports of a “mysterious big cat” in Rochester led to police warnings and a temporary shelter-in-place order, underscoring how quickly public anxiety can spread after potential sightings.
These events may sound alarming, but they are infrequent compared to the countless safe and non-confrontational encounters hikers have with wildlife every year.
Pre-Hike Preparation: Staying Safe Before You Go
- Hike in groups: Big cats are far less likely to approach multiple people.
- Keep pets leashed: Free-roaming pets can trigger predator instincts.
- Stay alert: Avoid headphones, and don’t hike at dawn or dusk when cats are most active.
What to Do if You Encounter a Big Cat
- Stay calm and stop: Never run — it can trigger a chase response.
- Make yourself bigger: Raise your arms, open your jacket, wave your hands. If you’re with others, group together.
- Make noise: Use a deep, firm voice. Clap, yell, or use an air horn.
- Pick up children and pets: Do this carefully without crouching or turning your back.
- Back away slowly: Maintain eye contact and give the animal an escape route.
- Throw objects if necessary: Rocks, sticks, or gear can be used to scare the animal without crouching.
In the Rare Event of an Attack
- Fight back: Do not play dead. Use sticks, rocks, or hiking poles, aiming for the face and eyes.
- Protect your neck and throat. Mountain lions often target these areas. If possible, use a backpack as a shield.
- Stay on your feet: Remaining upright reduces vulnerability.
After the Encounter
- Report the sighting: Contact park rangers or wildlife officials. Your report helps protect others and monitor animal behavior.
- Seek medical attention: Even minor scratches can carry infection or, in rare cases, diseases like rabies.
Why Apex Predators Matter
While encounters can be intimidating, it’s important to remember that apex predators like cougars, bobcats, and bears play a vital role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. They regulate prey populations, prevent overgrazing, and keep natural systems balanced.
At Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, we emphasize coexistence: teaching visitors to leave natural areas undisturbed, recycle and reduce waste, and live safely alongside predators. By respecting their role, we can minimize conflict while protecting people and wildlife.
Visit TCWR: Learn to Live in Harmony with Wildlife
Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, is an ethical tourism destination. Here, animals rescued from captivity — including big cats who cannot be rewilded — live in spacious habitats with expert lifelong care. Visitors learn practical skills for coexisting with predators and supporting ecosystem health.
By choosing destinations like TCWR, you support rescued wildlife and become part of a larger movement that promotes sustainable tourism, environmental responsibility, and living in harmony with the natural world.
When big cat encounters make headlines, it’s natural to feel uneasy. But with preparation and knowledge, hikers can stay safe — and help ensure that cougars, bobcats, and bears remain where they belong: as guardians of healthy ecosystems.
Learn more at Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge — where education, conservation, and compassion come together.