SkierRoger.ca

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2024-02-16 at 10:33 - comment by MaSid

Here’s another one: a taller pack that covers the back of the neck more.

As to a knife, something with a sharp point to puncture deep. Stabbing motion better than a slashing motion when it’s on your back. Diving knives often have no point.

Cougar deterrent.

2024-02-16 at 09:05 - comment by Arie

My first thought was to wear a pickelhaube, to impale the cougar as it pounces.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pickelhaube
But that would probably catch when tree-skiing..
Seriously now: MaSid's suggestion of an easily accessible knife/machete is a good one. I have one on my PFD in case of rope entanglement, so why not transfer it to my ski gear.

2024-02-15 at 17:29 - comment by MaSid

I’ve been meaning to sew some eyes on the back of my toque for many years as one method of avoiding a surprise attach (or start a mini business: “cougar toques”). I should get on that given all the off trail stuff I do, solo, often seeing big cat tracks. Also made myself a specialized knife and sheath that attaches to a pack shoulder strap (ultra handy). Just took it into the shop yesterday to finish it off. Once they are on your neck, not much time left, gotta puncture an organ or something pronto. As Arie says, summersault grab and toss a little tough on skis. If not a surprise attach, at least we have poles. Wave to make big and still the pointy ends if it keeps coming.

2024-02-15 at 08:42 - comment by Arie

Wow - quite a story. Good on him that he was able to shake the cougar off. They are large animals and it sounds like both took a tumble down the slope.
So how does one protect against cougar attack? Over the past few years I've been bringing bear spray on winter trips, knowing that cougars don't hibernate. But cougars pounce from a tree in surprise attack, while bears charge at ground level with some forewarning. Weilermann said he had bear spray with him but he didn't have a chance to pull his bearspray out - it happened so fast. So, what is best practice for skiers when it comes to cougars?
I would think skiers would be at a disadvantage having their legs and feet tied to their skis.

2024-02-14 at 19:54 - comment by aqua toque

From the report:

"He went about 20 metres off-trail to urinate when suddenly, a cougar latched onto him."

Yep, that's what they do alright -- wait until you are distracted, have your back to them and are at your most vulnerable (midstream) -- then they POUNCE!

His reaction was textbook as well. Very admirable!

2024-02-14 at 18:09 - comment by Gord F

Good to hear he escaped with minor injuries. It sounds like it was quite a struggle with the cougar, and a good thing he is a strong young man and was able to fight back. Although I take precautions with bears in the summer, I find I don't worry much about cougars. Maybe worth reconsidering?

2024-02-14 at 18:07 - comment by MaSid

Wow. Not even much of a scratch. But so lucky it didn’t clamp its jaws around his neck right off.