Hey what has been some of the most amazing animals you encountered on a trail run, not necessarily exotic, but ones that most people wold freak out about (bear, mountain lion, mooose, etc)? And how did you react. Did you feel like you were in danger at any point?
It has to be pretty scary doing trail runs in Western states with all the mountain lions and moose, and western diamondback rattlesnakes.
Not to forget grizzly bears too.
Copperheads in Maryland along the Gunpowder in early spring. You tend to slow down after that.
I once saw a Hawk swoop down and grab a rabbit.
I've been charged by a mountain lion, mule deer, and hit on the head by an owl. Saw a Peregrine Falcon attacking a Golden Eagle and was attacked by a Peregrine while solo rock climbing. Came upon a cinnamon phase black bear dragging a road kill deer up a hill, as well as a mother with two cubs (twice).
While XC skiing got a good look at a Goshawk feasting on a Snowshoe Hare. Hopped over a pacific rattler and encountered a couple of Western Diamondbacks. Needless to say I prefer to steer clear of heavy "mooose" or Grizzly country (although there are a few of both around).
The most dangerous things are idiots in cars and dogs though.
Good job of the OP on mentioning 3 out of 4 animals NOT found at Western States.
Nothing major. But these are all just running from my own house in NorCal.
I've come across rattlers probably 40-50 times. Several times coming within inches of stepping on one. They blend in on the side of the trails really well. Came across a bobcat standing in the middle of the trail just watching me. Numerous coyotes, and have been followed by them on occasion.
Lions are the ones that worry me. Haven't seen them but I know they are out there. My neighbor found a gutted deer at the end of his driveway one morning.
Attacked by an owl in the Great Swamp. Stumbled across a black bear while hiking with wife. Two gay guys going at Belmont Plateau.
A few summers ago there were peacocks that had escaped somewhere in my area and I passed by them a few times on my runs. Made sure I kept my distance.
A big rattler at Windy Hill OSP; wild turkeys in Niagara Region; a tarantula on the sidewalk in Costa Rica; a tarantula hawk wasp, also in Costa Rica.
considering how many people run, why are there not more mountain lion attacks? are they just shy secretive animals?
Generally, yes. There seems to be a fatality every five to ten years or so, including a few runners. Mine came within a few feet but stopped short of pouncing on me. Once they are on you the likelihood of survival is less than 50% I would guess. No injury is by far the most common outcome, death is the second, fortunately much more rare result. Getting injured but escaping seems to be the most rare result.
Bguyjmillenium12 wrote:
considering how many people run, why are there not more mountain lion attacks? are they just shy secretive animals?
Yes, they are furtive animals. I also avoid running late in the day when they are more active. Deer are also abundant so hopefully they won't bother with me.
Of course the rattlers are out earlier in the day, but they don't concern me as much.
Running on a small trail in the ATL area and passes two gay dudes making out. Got the hell out of there, pronto.
One time there was a mountain lion about 20 feet from the trail. It just stood there. Another time I almost stepped on a rattle snake. Both of these encounters were in Boulder.
water moccasins laying across a trail in Coastal Virginia. They've never bothered me, but I give them a wide berth anyways.
I've seen a few bears, bobcats, and coyotes in the mountains of NC too, but they seemed more scared of me than I was of them.
I broke out in a sweat just reading this article myself:
http://www.abqjournal.com/sports/2012/09/06/encounter-with-cougar-a-little-too-close-for-runner.html
Does anyone know who Chris Mcelveny is? Im guessing he is a fairly serious runner.
Scariest encounter was coming around a bend to see three black bear cubs; two on the ground and one in a tree. The one in the tree fell down, didn't know where the mother was but we got out of there quick.
I've seen three coyotes on top of a mountain running away from our group.
Numerous deer but when they charge out of the bushes in front of you that gives you a little jump.
I've seen two foxes before, they are awesome to see in the wild.
seems like i should be more concerned about the alligators here in florida
Probably copper heads, the coyotes and bobcats were more afraid of me.
In the summer you're likely to see a snake on every run here in North Carolina. I once ran up on a pack of wild hogs down in central Louisiana back in 2001. Those jokers are massive!!
River otter, terrapins, dolphins, bald eagles, deer, rattlesnakes (personally I love snakes and they're harmless if you leave them alone).