When is it likely that a mountain lion may attack?

A mountain lion may be likely to attack when it is less than 50 yards away and has its ears laid back. This body language is a clear indicator of agitation or aggression. Ears laid back often signal that the animal feels threatened, cornered, or is preparing to defend itself. When a mountain lion is in such a close range and exhibiting this behavior, the likelihood of an attack increases significantly. Understanding animal behavior is crucial for assessing potential danger, especially with predatory species like mountain lions.

In contrast, the other scenarios depict situations that typically do not present an immediate threat. For instance, if the mountain lion is more than 100 yards away and observing you, it's likely gauging the situation rather than preparing to attack. When a mountain lion is feeding and unaware of your presence, it is primarily focused on its meal and not on potential threats, which lowers the likelihood of an attack. Lastly, if the mountain lion is simply resting under a tree, it is not in an active or aggressive state, further indicating that it is not a potential threat at that moment.