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Saturday, Mar. 21, 2026

Are mountain lion attacks on humans common?

Michael Klinski, South Dakota News Watch
no

Mountain lion attacks on humans are extremely rare. The Mountain Lion Foundation (MLF) reports people are much more likely to be killed by a pet dog or struck by lightning.

Though mountain lions in South Dakota mostly live in the western part of the state and the Black Hills, one was spotted March 18 in downtown Sioux Falls. City officials have reported mountain lions have increasingly been spotted in residential areas, including in Spearfish. 

There have been about 30 fatal mountain lion attacks in North America since 1868, while five people die on average per year of snake bites. 

If mountain lions do attack humans, it’s likely to be during the day, in the summer and fall, and in wildlife areas where humans have ventured. 

If you see a mountain lion, stay calm, do not approach, do not run and do not crouch or bend over. Back away slowly.

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