I roll in cat country, they are always around. I often work alone, so my head is on a swivel. They won’t sneak up if they think you’re looking, unless they’re very desperate. If I have to bend down or work very low, I’m even more cautious. We had one guy get jumped on from behind a little while back with lots of other guys around.
One was bold. Huge tom, I’d guess over 200lbs, sat on top of a snow berm on the edge of the lease waiting for me to get some distance from my truck. That of course was the day after I’d cleaned my truck out and somehow my 45-70 didn’t make it back in. I was sure kicking myself then.
An 83 year old on Vancouver Island was attacked years back and managed to defend himself with a folding pocket knife, so it can be done. It’s mindset like this young man in the article. Screw you cat, I’m going to win.
For some unknown reason, I see your name (Bulwyf) as a variation of Beowulf. The Old English guys had many spellings.
Beowulf is a personal favorite of mine.
He ripped the monster Grendel’s arm clean off, with his bare hands! NB: the monster was ‘proof against iron’.
Anyways... I had a good laugh thinking of Beowulf vs monster Cougar.
Guessing that your moniker is NOT Beowulf.
I carry a crkt tactical, a glok and a buck... plus a leatherman and.., whatever. A 200lb. Cat hits me, I am dead.
Situational awareness is your only hope in such country. Being from Massachusetts, the most dangerous animal we will encounter is a whitetail buck, or a human.
I had jury duty, left the glok and crkt home... they almost died laughing when they scanned me. Found a old Congress I thought I lost years back. Batteries, can openers, nuts and bolts, 2 flashlights and a hand full of stainless nuts.
The guy said I was a walking carnival. Took one knife, it was just too long for Massachusetts.. 3” toy buck in my boot. Didn’t even know it was there. He let me keep the sheath.
I must have been drunk when I sewed that knife into that redwing. Did a good job, never even felt it there... for a year.