What to do if you encounter a wild animal on the trail. Part One: Mountain Lions Written by Duke Brady

My name is Duke Brady and I am an environmental scientist, back-country guide, and part time TV survival expert. I have trekked and "scienced" from the arctic shores of Alaska to the sweltering jungles of the tropics. I am currently looking for a cabin, dog, and girlfriend, in that order. I've spent some quality time out in nature, joining the food chain with a bit more zeal than an average day hike.

There was the bear-strewn tundra of the subarctic, where only a thin layer of wool and goretex stood between me and the teeth of my predator. And then there were the weeks spent in the remote corners of the Philippines, naked with only a knife, for the TV show Naked and Afraid; no goretex that time. Spoiler alert: I survived. You can do the same! Here are some wildlife survival tips to remember when traveling in Mountain Lion Country:

1. MAKE NOISE, ALREADY!

As serene as your wilderness experience is "supposed" to be, wild animals live there full time, and always appreciate a heads up when your clifbar munching, shampoo-smelling body enters their territory. Your voice works best; more on that later. This should be happening before an encounter. Just don't sing anything from the Cats musical.

2. GROW UP!

If a mountain lion shows signs of aggression, such as standing its ground, approaching you, has its ears back, or makes vocalizations like hissing etc., it's time to engage, starting with looking AS BIG AS POSSIBLE! Gather your group of people/dogs/goats as one, raise your arms/trekking poles/cool stick you found. The point is to be as wide and as TALL as possible. Your attitude and confidence should grow up too, as it will be crucial to stay calm and collected [in front of such a razor-pawed, dagger-mouthed, oversized kitty cat].

3. MAKE NOISE, AGAIN!

Any unnatural sounds are unwelcome to a wild animal. In other words, don't mimic an injured deer, or try to "speak lion". Clank water bottles, clap hands, tap hiking poles, etc. Strong, low, loud and calm voices are your friend.

4. LOOK AT ME-OW!

Maintain eye contact, so you can monitor what the lion is focusing on and also to express your intent to "act defiant, not afraid". Maintain a firm presence, not bending, cowering, turning, and of course NEVER running.

5. END THE RELATIONSHIP, SLOWLY.

Sometimes you want a quick and clean break, but this would not be the time for one. Gradually increase the distance between you and the animal, backing up slowly, still facing the animal; designate someone to be the eyes for the retreat, and steer the group if possible. If you're curious why you would have to be the one to initiate the "break up", many factors could be involved, such as a nearby kill, cache, or cub that makes the lion reticent to leave.

6. FIGHT!

If you find that physical contact is imminent, you. must. fight. Protecting your neck, throat and face are critical here. It's super scary to think about, but just know you will have to fight for your life, using any and all objects you have in hand or nearby. Put your pack between the animal and yourself, have your pocket knife unfolded and locked, bludgeon with your camera tripod...whatever it takes. Focusing your strikes on the sensitive parts of the animal, like the eyes and nose, will help deter them. There are successful instances of people defending themselves against lions using these methods; do not EVER let fear keep you away from nature!

That's all for this edition Duke's entertaining and hopefully useful guide to animal encounters. Have fun out there, respect nature, and always remember: situational awareness is your first defense! You can follow Duke and his adventures on Instagram @dukesurvives.