What Animal Eats a Cougar?

Have you ever wondered who could possibly prey on the mighty cougar? In this article, we’ll explore the world of predator-prey dynamics and uncover the potential threats that cougars face in the wild.

Despite their power and elusiveness, cougars are not without rivals. From grizzly bears to wolves, there are formidable opponents vying for resources and occasionally posing a danger to their survival.

Human encroachment on cougar habitats has also led to increased encounters and safety concerns.

Join us as we unravel the mysteries of the cougar’s place in nature’s intricate food chain.

Key Takeaways

• Cougars are skilled predators, but they do have natural enemies such as grizzly bears and wolves.
• Bears frequently displace cougars from their prey, reducing the cougars’ daily calorie needs.
• Wolves kill and steal prey from cougars, making cougars more vulnerable when competing for food.
• Human development encroaching on cougar habitats increases human-cougar confrontations.

Cougar Predators

You may be wondering, what animals prey on cougars? Cougars, as apex predators, don’t have many natural predators. However, they do face some threats from other animals in their ecosystem.

One of the main natural predators of cougars is the gray wolf (Canis lupus). Wolves are known to kill and steal prey from cougars, which can make cougars more vulnerable when competing for food.

Bears, particularly grizzly bears (Ursus arctos horribilis), also pose a threat to cougars. When their habitats overlap, bears frequently displace cougars from their prey, reducing the cougars’ daily calorie needs. This competition for resources can have an impact on the ecosystem dynamics.

Although cougars are strong and agile predators, they can be overpowered by wolves and bears, especially when they’re in packs or groups. It’s important to note that these interactions between predators are natural and contribute to maintaining a balanced ecosystem.

The presence of natural predators like wolves and bears helps regulate prey populations, preventing overgrazing and promoting biodiversity. Understanding the relationship between cougars and their natural predators is crucial for the conservation and management of these species and their habitats.

Natural Threats to Cougars

Cougars face natural threats from other predators in their ecosystem, including wolves and bears. These natural predators play a significant role in shaping cougar populations and have an impact on the overall ecosystem. Wolves, known for their hunting prowess and ability to work in packs, pose a considerable threat to cougars. They’re known to kill and steal prey from cougars, making them more vulnerable when competing for food. Cougars, being solitary animals, are at a disadvantage when facing wolves in packs.

Grizzly bears, on the other hand, compete with cougars for similar resources, especially when their habitats overlap. Bears often displace cougars from their prey, reducing the cougars’ daily calorie needs.

The presence of these natural predators not only affects cougar populations but also has broader implications for the ecosystem. For instance, the competition between wolves and cougars can lead to changes in prey dynamics, as both predators target similar prey species. This can have cascading effects on the population sizes and behaviors of these prey species, ultimately impacting the overall balance of the ecosystem.

Understanding the interactions between cougars and their natural predators is crucial for conservation efforts and maintaining a healthy ecosystem. By studying these relationships, scientists can gain insights into the ecological roles of these predators and develop strategies for their coexistence. Additionally, efforts to protect and conserve these natural predators are essential for maintaining the biodiversity and functioning of ecosystems they inhabit.

Human Threats to Cougars

Human threats to cougars include hunting laws and their impact on cougar populations, habitat loss and fragmentation, and the management of human-cougar conflicts.

Some U.S. state laws allow the shooting of cougars, despite their protected status, leading to population decline.

Habitat loss and fragmentation pose significant threats to cougars, as human development encroaches on their habitats.

Effective management strategies are needed to address these human threats and ensure the conservation of cougar populations.

Hunting Laws and Impact

Hunting laws and human activity pose significant threats to the cougar population. Human-wildlife conflict and hunting regulations contribute to the decline of cougar populations. Recreational hunting has resulted in the death of cougars, while farmers protecting their livestock have also contributed to their demise.

Fragmentation of their habitats and human-caused injuries further threaten cougar populations worldwide. Some U.S. state laws allow people to shoot cougars, despite being a protected species. Habitat loss and depletion of natural prey pose greater dangers to cougars than hunting.

It’s essential to address these threats through the implementation and enforcement of stricter hunting regulations and conservation measures. By doing so, we can help preserve and protect the cougar population from further decline.

Habitat Loss and Fragmentation

As their habitats continue to be lost and fragmented, cougars face increasing threats from human activity. The impacts of habitat fragmentation on cougar populations are significant and require conservation strategies to mitigate the negative effects.

The impacts of habitat fragmentation on cougars include:

Decreased genetic diversity:

• Fragmented habitats restrict the movement of cougars, leading to limited gene flow and increased inbreeding. This can result in reduced genetic diversity and the potential for negative genetic effects, such as decreased reproductive fitness and increased susceptibility to diseases.

Increased human-cougar conflicts:

• Fragmentation of cougar habitats often brings them into closer proximity with human settlements. This can lead to an increase in human-cougar conflicts, as cougars may be forced to search for food and territory in human-dominated areas. These conflicts can result in the killing of cougars for human safety concerns.

Conservation strategies for cougars should focus on preserving and restoring contiguous habitats, creating wildlife corridors to facilitate movement between fragmented areas, and implementing measures to reduce human-cougar conflicts. These efforts are crucial for the long-term survival and well-being of cougar populations in the face of habitat loss and fragmentation.

Human-Cougar Conflict Management

To manage the conflict between humans and cougars, it’s crucial to address the threats posed by human activities. Human-cougar conflict prevention is essential in order to minimize the negative impacts on both humans and cougars.

Managing human cougar encounters requires implementing strategies that reduce the likelihood of conflicts and promote coexistence. These strategies involve educating the public about cougar behavior, ensuring proper waste management to reduce attractants for cougars, and implementing measures to protect livestock and pets from cougar attacks.

Additionally, creating designated cougar habitats and wildlife corridors can help to reduce human-cougar interactions. It’s important to establish clear guidelines and protocols for reporting cougar sightings and implementing appropriate responses to mitigate potential conflicts.

Conservation Efforts for Cougars

One crucial aspect of preserving cougar populations is the implementation of effective conservation efforts. Conservation strategies play a vital role in maintaining healthy cougar populations and mitigating their impact on the ecosystem. Here are some key conservation efforts that are currently being implemented:

• Habitat Protection and Restoration:
• Protecting and restoring cougar habitats is essential for their survival. This includes designating protected areas, such as national parks, where cougars can thrive undisturbed.
• Restoring degraded habitats by reforestation and reducing fragmentation helps to create larger, interconnected areas for cougars to roam and find prey.
• Human-Wildlife Conflict Management:
• Developing strategies to minimize conflicts between humans and cougars is crucial for their conservation. This involves educating communities about cougar behavior, implementing non-lethal deterrents, and promoting coexistence.
• Encouraging responsible pet ownership and secure livestock enclosures can reduce conflicts between cougars and domestic animals, reducing the need for lethal control measures.

These conservation efforts not only benefit cougars but also have a positive impact on the overall ecosystem. By preserving cougar populations, we help maintain the balance of predator-prey relationships, control herbivore populations, and promote biodiversity. Additionally, healthy cougar populations contribute to the ecosystem’s resilience and stability, ensuring the long-term health of the habitats they inhabit.

Effective conservation measures are crucial for the continued survival of cougars and the preservation of our natural ecosystems.

Habitat Fragmentation and Loss

Habitat fragmentation and loss have significant impacts on wildlife migration patterns and the overall conservation of cougar populations. As human development encroaches on cougar habitats, it disrupts their natural movement and dispersal patterns, making it more challenging for them to find suitable territories and mate.

To mitigate the effects of habitat fragmentation, conservation strategies such as creating wildlife corridors and protected areas can help maintain connectivity between cougar populations, ensuring their long-term survival.

Impact on Wildlife Migration

When human development encroaches on cougar habitats, it disrupts wildlife migration patterns, leading to habitat fragmentation and loss. This has a significant impact on wildlife migration and ecosystem influence.

Here are two ways in which human development affects wildlife migration:

Barrier Creation:

• Roads, highways, and urban development act as physical barriers, preventing animals from accessing essential habitats.
• These barriers disrupt the natural movement of cougars and other wildlife, leading to isolation of populations and reducing genetic diversity.

Resource Depletion:

• Human development often results in the destruction of natural habitats, such as forests and grasslands, which are crucial for wildlife migration.
• As these habitats are lost, the availability of food, water, and shelter decreases, affecting the survival and reproduction of cougars and other species.

Conservation Strategies for Mitigation

To mitigate habitat fragmentation and loss, you can take proactive steps to protect cougar populations and their ecosystems. Conservation strategies play a crucial role in managing human-cougar conflict and preserving cougar habitats.

Implementing measures such as establishing protected areas, creating wildlife corridors, and promoting sustainable land use practices can help mitigate the negative impacts of habitat fragmentation. Protected areas provide essential habitat for cougars and other wildlife, safeguarding their populations from further decline.

Wildlife corridors connect fragmented habitats, allowing cougars to move between areas and maintain genetic diversity. Additionally, promoting sustainable land use practices, such as responsible development and habitat restoration, can help minimize the loss of cougar habitat.

The Florida Panther’s Endangered Status

The Florida panther, a rare subspecies of cougars, is critically endangered. Conservation efforts have been implemented to protect and preserve this iconic species. The impact of the Florida panther’s endangered status on the ecosystem is profound. Here are two key points to consider:

Population Control and Habitat Restoration:

• Conservationists have focused on managing the Florida panther’s population through captive breeding programs and reintroduction efforts.
• Efforts have been made to restore and expand the panther’s habitat by acquiring and protecting crucial lands, creating wildlife corridors, and mitigating human-wildlife conflicts.

Ecological Role and Biodiversity:

• The Florida panther plays a vital role in regulating prey populations, particularly deer, thereby influencing the balance of the ecosystem.
• By conserving the Florida panther, other species that depend on similar habitats and resources are also protected, contributing to overall biodiversity conservation.

The Florida panther’s endangered status serves as a barometer for the health and resilience of the ecosystem it inhabits. Preserving this subspecies not only safeguards a unique and majestic species but also ensures the preservation of a diverse and functioning ecosystem. Continued conservation efforts are essential to prevent the extinction of the Florida panther and maintain the ecological integrity of its habitat.

Cougar Behavior and Hunting Habits

Cougars employ various hunting techniques to capture their prey. They exhibit a preference for deer but also consume smaller animals. Their hunting habits have a significant impact on the ecosystem. They help regulate deer populations and maintain a balanced prey-predator dynamic.

Hunting Techniques Used

If you encounter a cougar in the wild, understanding their hunting techniques and behavior can help you stay safe. Cougars are stealthy predators and employ various hunting techniques to catch their prey. Here are two subtopics that highlight their hunting techniques and the impact they’ve on the ecosystem:

Hunting Techniques:

• Ambush: Cougars are adept at hiding and patiently waiting for their prey to come closer before launching a surprise attack.
• Stalking: They use their incredible stealth and agility to silently stalk their prey, getting as close as possible before pouncing.

Impact on Ecosystem:

• Cougar predation helps regulate prey populations by targeting weaker and older individuals, promoting overall health and balance in the ecosystem.
• They play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity by controlling herbivore populations, which in turn prevents overgrazing and habitat degradation.

Understanding these hunting techniques and their ecological impact can provide valuable insights into the behavior and role of cougars in the wild.

Prey Preference and Selection

When encountering a cougar in the wild, understanding their prey preference and hunting habits can help you stay safe. Cougars are opportunistic predators that primarily prey on deer but will also eat smaller animals. Their prey selection factors include size, availability, and vulnerability. Cougars target healthy and weaker individuals, such as young or old animals, to maximize hunting success. This selective predation can have a significant impact on the ecosystem structure by regulating prey populations and maintaining a balance in the food chain. To further illustrate their prey preference, here is a table showcasing the common prey species of cougars:

Prey Species	Preferred Habitat	Vulnerability
Deer	Forests, meadows	Moderate
Elk	Mountains	High
Bighorn Sheep	Rocky terrains	Moderate

Understanding the prey preference and selection of cougars can provide valuable insights into their behavior and their role in the ecosystem.

Impact on Ecosystem?

To understand the impact of cougar behavior and hunting habits on the ecosystem, it’s important to consider their role as opportunistic predators. Cougars play a crucial role in regulating prey populations and maintaining ecosystem balance. Their hunting habits and predatory behavior have significant effects on the overall dynamics of the ecosystem.

Here are two ways in which cougars impact the ecosystem:

• Regulation of Prey Populations:
• Cougars primarily prey on deer, which helps control their population size. This prevents overgrazing and maintains a healthy balance between herbivores and vegetation.
• By targeting weaker and older individuals, cougars help strengthen the gene pool of prey populations, promoting overall population health and resilience.
• Cascading Effects on Ecosystem:
• The presence of cougars in an ecosystem can have cascading effects on other species. For example, by reducing the number of herbivores, cougars indirectly benefit plant communities, promoting greater plant diversity and ecosystem stability.
• Additionally, the fear of predation from cougars influences the behavior and movement patterns of prey species, which can have further ripple effects on their interactions with other organisms and the overall structure of the ecosystem.

Cougars’ Prey Preferences

Cougars primarily prey on deer, but they also target smaller animals. Their hunting techniques involve stalking and ambushing their prey. Cougars are solitary hunters, relying on their stealth and agility to catch their prey off guard. They have a keen sense of sight and hearing, allowing them to locate and track their targets. Once they h

ave chosen their prey, cougars use their powerful hind legs to leap onto their unsuspecting victim. They then deliver a swift bite to the neck, aiming to sever the spinal cord or collapse the windpipe, resulting in a quick kill. Cougars are known to cache their prey, dragging it to a secluded location to feed on it over several days. This behavior helps them avoid competition from other predators and ensures a steady food supply.

While deer make up the majority of a cougar’s diet, they also prey on smaller animals such as rabbits, rodents, and birds. This versatile diet allows cougars to adapt to different environments and ensures their survival even when deer populations fluctuate.

Prey	Examples
Deer	Mule deer, white-tailed deer
Rabbits	Jackrabbits, cottontails
Rodents	Squirrels, mice, rats
Birds	Turkeys, grouse, quail

Cougar Reproduction and Family Dynamics

You may be wondering how many cubs a female cougar typically gives birth to. Female cougars usually give birth to a litter of 2-3 kittens. The mating behavior of cougars involves a solitary lifestyle for males, while females take care of the young.

Here are some key points about cougar reproduction and family dynamics:

• Cougar Mating Behavior:
• Females can mate as early as 2-3 years old.
• Mating usually occurs during the late winter or early spring.
• Male cougars may compete with each other for access to a female in estrus.
• Once a male and female mate, they may stay together for a short period or separate shortly after.
• Cougar Family Dynamics:
• Female cougars are solely responsible for raising the cubs.
• The female provides maternal care, including nursing, protection, and teaching hunting skills.
• Cougar cubs stay with their mother for about two years before leaving to establish their own territory.
• During this time, the mother teaches the cubs how to hunt and survive in the wild.
• Male cougars don’t participate in raising the cubs and typically return to a solitary lifestyle.

Understanding cougar mating behavior and family dynamics is essential for studying their population dynamics and conservation efforts. By knowing these aspects, researchers and wildlife managers can better assess the overall health and sustainability of cougar populations.

Lifespan of Cougars in the Wild Vs. Captivity

In the wild, cougars have an average lifespan of 10 years, whereas in captivity, they can live up to 20 years. The difference in lifespan between wild and captive cougars can be attributed to several factors.

In the wild, cougars face various challenges that can negatively impact their lifespan. These challenges include competition for resources, predation, and exposure to diseases. Additionally, their hunting techniques, which involve stalking and ambushing their prey, can be physically demanding and risky. This constant strain on their bodies can lead to injuries and a shorter lifespan.

On the other hand, cougars in captivity have access to a controlled environment where they receive regular veterinary care, proper nutrition, and protection from predators. They don’t have to face the same challenges as their wild counterparts, resulting in a longer lifespan.

The impact of cougars on the ecosystem is important to consider when discussing their lifespan. As apex predators, cougars play a crucial role in regulating the population of their prey species. By hunting and controlling the population of deer and other ungulates, they help maintain a balance in the ecosystem. This, in turn, impacts the vegetation and overall health of the habitat they inhabit.

Understanding the lifespan of cougars in the wild versus captivity is essential for conservation efforts. It highlights the importance of protecting their natural habitats and implementing measures to reduce human-wildlife conflicts. By preserving their habitats and minimizing threats such as hunting and habitat loss, we can ensure the long-term survival of cougars and the stability of the ecosystems they inhabit.

Cougar Names and Classification

Cougars, also known as panthers, catamounts, pumas, lions, and mountain lions, belong to the Felidae family, which includes other majestic felines like jaguars, lions, tigers, and leopards.

Within the cougar species, there are six distinct subspecies, each with its own scientific name. These powerful creatures have lighter areas on the underside of their coat and a black mark at the end of their tail, distinguishing them from other big cats.

Distinct Cougar Subspecies

Belonging to the Felidae family, cougars have distinct subspecies with their own scientific names. These subspecies play a significant role in the ecosystem, contributing to the overall biodiversity and functioning of their respective habitats.

Here are two sub-lists that highlight the distinct cougar subspecies and their impact on the ecosystem:

Distinct Cougar Subspecies:

• Eastern Cougar (Puma concolor couguar): Found in eastern North America, this subspecies is believed to be extinct since 2011. Its disappearance has had ecological repercussions, as it was a top predator that helped regulate prey populations and maintain ecosystem balance.
• Florida Panther (Puma concolor coryi): Endemic to the south of Florida, the Florida Panther is critically endangered. Its presence in the Everglades ecosystem is crucial for controlling herbivore populations and maintaining the integrity of the wetland habitat.

Impact on Ecosystem:

• Top Predator: Cougars are apex predators, exerting control over prey species, which prevents overgrazing and maintains balanced prey populations.
• Keystone Species: By regulating prey populations, cougars indirectly influence vegetation dynamics, impacting the structure and composition of plant communities.

Feline Family Classification

Rarely do you encounter a creature as fascinating and diverse as the cougar, a member of the feline family with various names and classifications. Cougars, also known as panthers, catamounts, pumas, lions, and mountain lions, belong to the Felidae family, which includes other majestic cats like jaguars, lions, tigers, and leopards.

Within the cougar species, there are six distinct subspecies, each with its own scientific name. As obligate carnivores, cougars play a vital role in the ecosystem as top predators, helping to control populations of herbivores like deer. Their impact on the ecosystem is significant, as their hunting behavior helps maintain the balance of prey species and prevents overgrazing.

Understanding the feline family classification of the cougar is crucial for conservation efforts and the preservation of their role in the ecosystem.

Cougars’ Alternate Names

As we delve into the fascinating world of the cougar, it’s essential to explore the various alternate names and classifications of this majestic feline species.

Cougars, also known as panthers, catamounts, pumas, lions, and mountain lions, belong to the Felidae family, which includes jaguars, lions, tigers, and leopards.

Within the cougar species, there are six distinct subspecies, each with its own scientific name. Cougars have lighter areas on the underside of their coat and a black mark at the end of their tail, distinguishing them from other big cats.

These magnificent predators play a vital role in the ecosystem, as they’re obligate carnivores and help regulate prey populations. Moreover, their presence has an impact on wildlife migration and the overall balance of the ecosystem.

Cougars’ Unique Coat Features

Cougars’ unique coat features make them easily distinguishable from other big cats. Their coats are typically tawny or brownish in color, with lighter areas on the underside. One distinctive feature is the black mark at the end of their tail, which helps them communicate with other cougars. This mark serves as a visual signal, especially during hunting or territorial disputes. Additionally, cougars have a dense, short fur that provides insulation and protection against the elements.

To further understand the unique coat features of cougars, let’s examine the following table:

Feature	Description
Color	Tawny or brownish, with lighter areas on the underside
Tail	Black mark at the end, used for communication
Fur	Dense and short, providing insulation and protection

These coat features not only contribute to the cougar’s distinct appearance but also serve important functions in their survival. The coloration helps them blend into their surroundings, making them less visible when stalking prey or avoiding predators. The black mark on their tail aids in visual communication with other cougars, facilitating social interactions and minimizing conflicts. The dense and short fur provides insulation, allowing cougars to adapt to various habitats and weather conditions.

Understanding the unique coat features of cougars is essential not only for identification purposes but also for their conservation and management. By studying these characteristics, researchers can gain insights into the evolutionary adaptations of cougars and their feline family classification. It also highlights the importance of preserving their habitats to ensure the continued existence of these magnificent creatures and their impact on the ecosystem.

Cougars as Obligate Carnivores

When it comes to their diet, cougars are strict carnivores, relying solely on meat for sustenance, as discussed in the previous subtopic of their unique coat features. As obligate carnivores, cougars have specific hunting techniques and play a significant role in ecosystem dynamics through their predation impact.

Here are some key points to consider:

• Cougar hunting techniques:
• Cougars are solitary hunters and rely on stealth and agility to capture their prey.
• They use their keen senses of sight and hearing to locate and stalk their targets.
• Cougars often ambush their prey by silently approaching and quickly pouncing on them.
• They have powerful jaws and sharp teeth designed for gripping and killing their prey.
• Impact of cougar predation on ecosystem dynamics:
• By hunting herbivores such as deer, cougars help regulate their populations, preventing overgrazing and maintaining a balance in the ecosystem.
• Cougars target weaker or older individuals, which helps improve the overall health of the prey population.
• Through their predation, cougars also indirectly affect the vegetation composition and structure, influencing the habitat for other species.
• The presence of cougars can even shape the behavior and movement patterns of their prey, leading to changes in the distribution of other animals.

Understanding the hunting techniques of cougars and their impact on ecosystem dynamics provides valuable insights into the ecological role these magnificent creatures play in their habitats.

Cougar Rivals in the Wild

In the wild, cougars face competition from other predators for resources and territory. Grizzly bears and cougars are known to compete for similar resources, especially when their habitats overlap. Bears frequently displace cougars from their prey, reducing the cougars’ daily calorie needs.

Additionally, wolves pose a threat to cougars as they kill and steal prey from them, making cougars more vulnerable when competing for food. However, cougars are only threatened by wolves in packs, as they’re weaker than cougars. These rivalries among predators have a significant impact on the ecosystem. They can affect prey populations and the overall balance of the food web.

Human development encroaching on cougar habitats also increases human-cougar confrontations. To mitigate human-wildlife conflict, it’s crucial to implement strategies that promote coexistence between humans and cougars. This includes educating the public about cougar behavior, implementing proper waste management practices, and establishing wildlife corridors to allow cougars to move freely without coming into contact with humans.

Human-Cougar Interactions and Safety Measures

As the discussion transitions to the subtopic of human-cougar interactions and safety measures, it’s important to address the need for understanding and implementing strategies to minimize conflicts between humans and the cougar population. To paint a picture for the audience, let’s delve into two key aspects of this issue:

Human Wildlife Conflict Mitigation

• Encourage public awareness and education programs to inform communities about cougar behavior and how to minimize potential conflicts.
• Promote responsible outdoor recreation practices, such as hiking in groups, making noise, and keeping pets leashed, to reduce surprise encounters with cougars.

Impact on Local Communities

• Collaborate with local authorities, wildlife agencies, and landowners to develop comprehensive management plans that consider the needs and concerns of both humans and cougars.
• Implement non-lethal methods, such as using motion-activated lights or sound devices, to deter cougars from approaching residential areas.

It is crucial to prioritize human safety while simultaneously safeguarding the cougar population. By adopting effective strategies for human wildlife conflict mitigation and considering the impact on local communities, we can strive for coexistence and minimize negative interactions between humans and cougars.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do Grizzly Bears and Cougars Interact When Their Habitats Overlap?

When grizzly bears and cougars share habitats, they compete for resources. Grizzlies often displace cougars from prey, increasing cougars’ calorie needs. Cougars rely on stealth and ambush techniques to hunt, while grizzly bears have more brute force.

What Are Some Natural Threats to Cougar Populations?

Cougars face natural threats such as habitat loss and human-caused injuries. Fragmentation and hunting patterns contribute to population decline. Territorial conflicts with grizzly bears and wolves also pose dangers.

What Are Some Conservation Efforts Currently in Place for Cougars?

Conservation strategies for cougars include habitat preservation, population monitoring, and public education. Efforts focus on protecting cougar habitats, implementing wildlife corridors, regulating hunting, and promoting coexistence with humans. Population monitoring helps assess the effectiveness of these conservation measures.

How Does Habitat Fragmentation and Loss Affect Cougar Populations?

Habitat fragmentation and loss have significant effects on cougar populations. It disrupts their natural movement and isolates populations, leading to genetic issues and decreased survival rates. Mitigation strategies include creating wildlife corridors and protected areas to maintain connectivity and preserve their habitat.

What Safety Measures Should Be Taken During Human-Cougar Interactions?

When interacting with cougars, it is important to follow safety guidelines. Understand cougar behavior, such as their tendency to flee from human voices. Maintain a safe distance, avoid turning your back, and make yourself appear larger if necessary.