Off The Grid
Hiker’s Narrow Escape from a Mountain Lion
In the vast wilderness, encounters with wildlife are inevitable. Some are awe-inspiring, like a herd of elk grazing in the morning mist. Others, however, can be heart-stopping, like coming face to face with a mountain lion. I’ve had my fair share of both, and today, I’m going to share a tale that’s sure to keep you on the edge of your seat. But more importantly, I’ll provide you with the knowledge you need to survive such an encounter.
The sun was setting on a crisp autumn day. I was on a solo hike in Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park. As I rounded a bend in the trail, my heart skipped a beat. Not more than 30 feet away was a mountain lion, its golden eyes locked onto mine.
Mountain lions, also known as cougars or pumas, are solitary creatures and tend to avoid human contact. However, when an encounter does happen, it can be deadly. The key to survival is to understand their behavior and know how to respond.
First, never run. Running can trigger a mountain lion’s instinct to chase. Instead, make yourself appear larger. Stand tall, raise your arms, and open your jacket if you have one.
I followed these steps, keeping my eyes locked with the mountain lion’s. I slowly reached for my whistle, a simple but effective tool for deterring wildlife. A sharp, loud noise can startle a mountain lion and cause it to retreat.
Next, speak in a firm, loud voice. You want to show the mountain lion that you’re not prey, but a potential danger. I began to talk, keeping my voice steady despite the adrenaline coursing through my veins.
“Hey, cat,” I said. “I’m not your dinner.”
While doing this, it’s crucial to keep your distance. Never corner a mountain lion, as it will fight fiercely if it feels trapped. Slowly back away, but don’t turn your back on the animal.
As I started to back away, the mountain lion crouched, a sign that it was preparing to pounce. This is when you need to respond aggressively. Throw stones or sticks, but without bending over or turning your back.
I picked up a rock and threw it towards the mountain lion, not aiming to hit, but to scare. It flinched, and I used this moment to continue backing away.
After what felt like an eternity, the mountain lion retreated into the underbrush, and I was safe. I waited a few more minutes to ensure it was gone before quickly leaving the area and alerting park authorities about the encounter.
This experience was a stark reminder of the dangers we can face in the wilderness. But with knowledge and preparation, we can navigate these situations safely.
Remember, the key is to avoid behaving like prey. Stand your ground, make noise, and make yourself appear larger. Carry deterrents like a whistle or bear spray, and know how to use them. Always respect the wildlife and their territory, and they will usually do the same.
It’s also essential to know the signs of mountain lion activity in your area. Tracks, scat, and scraped leaves or twigs are all indicators. If you encounter these signs, consider altering your route or leaving the area.
Ultimately, surviving a mountain lion encounter is about preparedness. Equip yourself with the right knowledge, tools, and mindset, and you can safely enjoy all the wonders the wilderness has to offer.
So, my fellow adventurers, let’s take this tale as a lesson. Let’s respect our wild neighbors and equip ourselves with the knowledge to coexist. After all, the wilderness is their home, and we’re just visitors. Safe travels, and remember – stay prepared.
In any large-scale collapse scenario, medical help may be delayed or unavailable entirely. Hospitals may be overwhelmed, pharmacies closed, and emergency responders unable to reach you. In those moments, having the right medical supplies can mean the difference between a manageable injury and a life-threatening situation. A survival medical kit should focus on stopping bleeding, preventing infection, managing pain, and keeping you functional.
Here are ten critical medical supplies you should carry for survival during an apocalypse or any extreme emergency.
1. Tourniquet
Severe bleeding is one of the fastest ways people die from injuries. A proper tourniquet allows you to stop life-threatening blood loss from arms or legs within seconds. This is one of the most important items in any survival medical kit.
2. Compression Bandages
Compression bandages apply steady pressure to wounds and help control bleeding. They are especially useful for deep cuts, punctures, and traumatic injuries. They also help secure wound dressings in place when movement is unavoidable.
3. Sterile Gauze Pads
Gauze is essential for cleaning wounds, absorbing blood, and protecting injuries from dirt and bacteria. Carry multiple sizes so you can handle both small cuts and larger wounds. Clean wounds heal faster and are far less likely to become infected.
4. Antiseptic Wipes or Solution
Infections become deadly quickly when antibiotics are unavailable. Antiseptic wipes, iodine swabs, or antiseptic spray help kill bacteria before it enters the body. Cleaning a wound properly is just as important as stopping the bleeding.
5. Medical Tape
Medical tape secures bandages, gauze, and splints. It is lightweight, versatile, and far more reliable than improvised solutions. Tape can also be used to reinforce blisters and prevent minor injuries from getting worse during long travel.
6. Pain Relievers
Pain can limit movement, focus, and decision-making. Over-the-counter pain relievers help reduce inflammation, headaches, muscle pain, and fever. Staying mobile and alert during a survival situation is critical.
7. Antibiotic Ointment
Topical antibiotic ointment adds another layer of protection against infection. Even small cuts can turn serious when sanitation is poor. A small tube takes almost no space and can prevent days or weeks of complications.
8. Tweezers
Tweezers are vital for removing splinters, glass, thorns, ticks, and debris from wounds. Leaving foreign objects embedded in the skin increases infection risk and slows healing. Precision tools matter when conditions are rough.
9. Nitrile Gloves
Protecting yourself while treating injuries is essential. Gloves reduce the spread of bacteria and protect both the injured person and the caregiver. They are especially important when dealing with blood or open wounds.
10. Emergency Medical Guide
In a collapse scenario, you may need to treat injuries you have never dealt with before. A small first-aid or emergency medical guide gives step-by-step instructions when stress makes thinking difficult. Knowledge becomes as valuable as any tool you carry.
Final Thoughts
Medical preparedness is often overlooked in survival planning, yet injuries are more likely than dramatic threats. Cuts, falls, burns, and infections happen fast and worsen without care. Carrying these ten medical supplies gives you the ability to stabilize injuries, prevent infection, and stay functional when professional help is no longer available.
Canned food has been a survival staple for generations, and for good reason. When emergencies disrupt normal life, access to fresh food can disappear quickly. Power outages, storms, supply chain problems, and evacuations often leave people relying on what they already have at home. Storing canned food is one of the simplest and most reliable ways to prepare for the unexpected.
Here are five clear reasons canned food deserves a permanent place in any survival plan.
1. Long Shelf Life You Can Count On
One of the biggest advantages of canned food is how long it lasts. Most canned goods stay safe and edible for years when stored in a cool, dry place. This makes them ideal for emergencies that last longer than expected. Unlike fresh or frozen foods, canned items do not spoil quickly and do not require constant attention.
2. No Refrigeration or Electricity Needed
When the power goes out, refrigerators and freezers become useless. Canned food eliminates that risk entirely. You can store it safely at room temperature and eat it without worrying about spoilage. This makes canned food especially valuable during blackouts, winter storms, and heat waves.
3. Ready to Eat With Little or No Preparation
Many canned foods can be eaten straight from the can. Beans, vegetables, soups, meats, and fruits require no cooking, which is critical when fuel is limited or unsafe to use. Even if you cannot heat food, canned items still provide calories, hydration, and nutrients when your body needs them most.
4. Balanced Nutrition During Stressful Times
Survival is not just about calories. Your body needs protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals to stay strong and alert. Canned foods make it easy to store a balanced mix of nutrition. Beans provide protein and fiber. Canned meats supply protein and fats. Vegetables and fruits offer vitamins that help prevent fatigue and illness during prolonged emergencies.
5. Affordable and Easy to Rotate
Canned food is one of the most budget-friendly survival options available. You can build a stockpile slowly by adding a few extra cans during regular grocery trips. Because canned foods are part of everyday meals, rotating them is simple. Use the oldest cans first and replace them with new ones. This keeps your supply fresh without waste.
Final Thoughts
Storing canned food is not about fear or extreme prepping. It is about common sense. These foods last a long time, require no power, are easy to prepare, and provide dependable nutrition when normal systems fail. A small, well-chosen supply of canned food can carry you through storms, outages, and unexpected disruptions with far less stress.
A get-home bag is one of the most overlooked but most valuable pieces of emergency gear you can own. It is not designed to help you survive for days in the wilderness. Instead, its purpose is simple. It helps you get home safely during an unexpected crisis. Whether you are stuck at work during a blackout, stranded on the road in a storm, or forced to walk when transportation shuts down, a well-packed get-home bag can make the difference between stress and confidence.
Here are ten essential items to include so you can get home quickly and safely no matter what happens.
1. Water Bottle or Hydration Pouch
Staying hydrated is essential when you may need to walk long distances. A durable water bottle or collapsible hydration pouch works well because you can fill it anywhere before starting your journey. Dehydration slows reaction time and drains energy, so water should always be at the top of your list.
2. Energy Bars or Quick Snacks
You need steady energy to stay focused. High-calorie snacks like protein bars, trail mix, or peanut butter packets keep your body fueled without taking up space. They require no cooking and last a long time in any weather.
3. Compact Flashlight
A small LED flashlight helps you navigate safely if darkness hits. Power outages, tunnels, garages, and unlit streets can become dangerous without proper light. Pack a lightweight flashlight and keep it accessible.
4. Spare Batteries
A flashlight or portable radio is useless without backup power. Include a small set of extra batteries to keep your gear running for hours. Store them in a plastic bag so moisture cannot reach them.
5. Multi-Tool
A compact multi-tool gives you pliers, a blade, screwdrivers, scissors, and other essentials in a single device. It is one of the most versatile items you can carry and handles small repairs, cutting tasks, and emergency adjustments with ease.
6. Emergency Mylar Blanket
A mylar blanket helps you retain body heat when temperatures drop. It weighs almost nothing and folds into the size of a wallet. Whether you are dealing with cold weather or unexpected snow, this simple item prevents heat loss and keeps you more comfortable.
7. Small First-Aid Kit
Minor injuries can become major setbacks during an emergency walk home. A basic kit with bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauze, adhesive tape, and pain relievers can prevent infections or make a long walk safer and less painful.
8. Map of Your Area
Do not rely only on your phone. Battery failure, poor signal, or damaged devices can leave you without navigation. A simple paper map of your local routes allows you to find alternate paths home if roads or bridges are blocked.
9. Lightweight Rain Poncho
Weather can change without warning. A poncho keeps you dry and warm, prevents hypothermia, and protects your gear. Wet clothing quickly drains your energy and slows your movement, so staying dry is a priority.
10. Cash
Digital payments fail during power outages or network problems. Small bills can help you buy water, food, or transportation when cards do not work. Even a modest amount of cash gives you options that many people forget about in emergencies.
Final Thoughts
A get-home bag is not a luxury. It is a simple, practical tool that protects you when the unexpected happens. These ten items fit easily into a small backpack and can get you home safely through power failures, storms, traffic shutdowns, or regional emergencies. The goal is not to carry everything. The goal is to carry only what matters most. Once you assemble your bag, keep it in your car or workplace so you are ready at a moment’s notice.
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