How this site got started

While this site may be noted for a very complete online list and description of attacks from 1890 to the present, Cougar Information was begun with human safety in mind. When I discovered that I had moved into a subdivision where lions were recently seen, though they had been absent from the area for generations--certainly 50 years ago when our homes were built--I began searching the internet for safety information. Everywhere I found platitudes such as cougars will never attack unless cornered or unless protecting their young; they fear all humans and avoid them. I had heard just enough reports to the contrary to keep searching. Specifically, I was aware of the boy killed while just jogging southwest of us, in a similarly populated area, on a trail used for fitness training above his school.

In reaction to the knowledge that others and I might well be living in habitat now made inviting to mountain lions, I researched and then published a page with safety tips. Then I found my coauthor's attacks site and began to expand these accounts.

Whether you believe the risk from predators is miniscule or is an increasing one to be watched, keep in mind that, however statistically unlikely, risk of injury or death from such as bee stings, spider bites, lightening strikes, and lion attacks are still additive. When you welcome the sight of a magnificent predator into your neighborhood, realize that the risk is far greater for children than for the adults making policies.

Please advise of any attacks not listed herein

Confirming recent attacks where victims are increasingly unnamed

Currently, victims are often attacked more severely by our judgmental public than by the predator. The majority seems to have absorbed a quasi-religious belief in environmental tenets which, in the case of an attack by a predator, views the victim as an irreverent encroacher and the predator as a hapless victim of such vilified encroachment.

At any rate, with predator victims more and more frequently unwilling to be identified today, researchers can no longer easily verify accounts. In addition, helpful information regarding the age, size, and fitness of the victim is difficult to obtain for studies. Since this is becoming so common, these attacks will be reported here as verified with that disclaimer if other elements are verifiable by normal means.