Injuries and damages caused by mountain lion encounters are on the increase in several western states as the suburbs there move into mountain lion territory and as lions learn to hunt in the suburbs. For public safety, fish and wildlife officials suggest the following behavioral guidelines:

• Do not stare at the lion. Do not shout. Do not turn your back and run away. Raise your arms. Look as big as possible. Walk sideways. Speak to the lion firmly, but quietly. Speak respectfully of their ancestors.

• They can be charmed by tactics of evasion. If one stalks your children in the yard, act demented. Come out of the house hopping backwards. Gaze at the ground as if looking for an auto part. Eat your shirt. Stand on your head. If the lion roars, roar back . . .

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Photo: Puma, Cougar Portrait, by Kwadrat, Shutterstock 530145082