Cut my ride on Seymour short today because a walker warned me about a Cougar sighting around Hyannis area.
There was a hand written warning sign at the trailhead (but I'd come in from Old Buck along Bridlepath so never saw it).
Apparently its been in the news but I can't find it online yet.
But as a reminder what to do if you come across a cougar on the trails-- check here--
If You Meet a Cougar
- Never approach a cougar. Although cougars will normally avoid a confrontation, all cougars are unpredictable. Cougars feeding on a kill may be dangerous.
- Always give a cougar an avenue of escape.
- Stay calm. Talk to the cougar in a confident voice.
- Pick all children up off the ground immediately. Children frighten easily and their rapid movements may provoke an attack.
- Do not run. Try to back away from the cougar slowly. Sudden movement or flight may trigger an instinctive attack.
- Do not turn your back on the cougar. Face the cougar and remain upright.
- Do all you can to enlarge your image. Don't crouch down or try to hide. Pick up sticks or branches and wave them about.
- If a cougar behaves aggressively... Arm yourself with a large stick, throw rocks, speak loudly and firmly. Convince the cougar that you are a threat not prey.
- If a cougar attacks, fight back! Many people have survived cougar attacks by fighting back with anything, including rocks, sticks, bare fists, and fishing poles