When Mountain Lion Encounters Make Headlines,
Understanding Matters
Following a dramatic encounter in Wyoming, MLF’s Joshua Lisbon shares insights into mountain lion behavior, wildlife safety, and why rare incidents shouldn’t define how we see these remarkable animals.
A wildlife photographer, his Labrador retriever, and a mountain lion crossed paths in a remote area outside Cody, Wyoming, in September. What followed was a frightening encounter that quickly attracted national attention.
Photographer Adam Borkhus intervened when he discovered a mountain lion on top of his dog, Diesel. The lion then turned toward Borkhus, who fought it off. Both he and his dog survived with relatively minor injuries.
The incident made for dramatic headlines. But understanding what happened — and just how unusual such encounters are — requires looking beyond the headlines.
Putting a Rare Encounter Into Perspective
In a September 28 article published by Outside, Mountain Lion Foundation Education & Coexistence Director Joshua Lisbon helped provide context for the incident.
Joshua emphasized the extraordinary rarity of such encounters, comparing the convergence of circumstances to the odds of being struck by lightning.
While mountain lions are powerful wild animals deserving of respect and appropriate precautions, attacks on people remain extremely uncommon.
Understanding their behavior, rather than allowing an isolated incident to shape our perceptions, is essential to coexistence.
What Can We Learn From This Encounter?
Joshua also discussed the incident in an interview with The Practical Animal, exploring what may have contributed to the confrontation and what people can do to reduce the likelihood of conflicts with wildlife.
We’ve pulled together three highlights from the conversation, offering insights into mountain lion behavior, the rarity of attacks, and how people can safely share the landscape with these animals.
Knowledge, Preparation, and Coexistence
Mountain lions generally avoid people, and most people who spend time in mountain lion country will never encounter one.
Still, preparation matters. Keeping dogs leashed or under reliable voice control, staying aware of your surroundings, giving wildlife space, and carrying appropriate safety equipment can help reduce risks.
In the unlikely event of a mountain lion encounter, understanding how to respond can make a meaningful difference.
The lesson isn’t that people should fear mountain lions. It’s that knowledge and preparation help us share the landscape more safely.
For more information about mountain lion behavior and staying safe in mountain lion country, explore the Mountain Lion Foundation’s safety and coexistence resources.
