BEFORE YOU GO-------------------- Find family or friends to go with you. Cougars don't like approaching groups of people. Make sure your bear spray is not expired and your air horn is working. Make sure you know how to use your bear spray. Contact a Fish and Wildlife office and ask if they have seen a cougar in the area you are about to visit. Leave your dog at home. Talk to the people in your group and make a plan for how the group will respond if you see a cougar. Charge your cell phone batteries and pack your cell phone. Prepare your children for staying safe in cougar territory. Teach them to: --Stay between the adults of the group and not run ahead or fall behind. --Never run away from cougars or show fear by screaming. --Always fight back and never give up if a cougar makes contact.