Cougars???
A work colleague told me I should take my firearm on all hikes while I’m in Zion, Bryce and GC. Planning a trip for April. Said there are a lot of cougars, etc.
I get that there are wild animals and anything is certainly possible, but is this standard? I didnt really want to check a bag which is the only way to have one with me.
It is not standard or necessary to carry a firearm while hiking in Grand Canyon, Zion, or Bryce Canyon. Mountain lions (cougars) are present in these parks, but encounters with humans are extremely rare. Most visitors hike safely without firearms.
Mountain lion facts:
- Mountain lions are generally elusive and avoid humans. Sightings are uncommon, and attacks are very rare.
- Most attacks in the U.S. occur in areas outside of national parks, often in California or Colorado, not Arizona’s Grand Canyon area.
- Mountain lions tend to hunt at dawn or dusk, so daytime hiking reduces risk.
Safety tips while hiking:
- Hike in groups whenever possible. Mountain lions are less likely to approach multiple people.
- Keep children close and do not allow them to run ahead or lag behind.
- Make noise while hiking to alert wildlife of your presence.
- If you encounter a mountain lion, do not run. Maintain eye contact, make yourself look bigger, wave your arms, and back away slowly. If attacked, fight back with sticks, rocks, or other items.
Other considerations:
- Carrying a firearm in national parks is subject to federal and state laws, and many visitors prefer not to carry one due to legal restrictions and safety concerns.
- Most visitors rely on awareness, common-sense precautions, and the extremely low probability of an encounter rather than firearms.
In short, you do not need to check a firearm or carry one for your trip. Focusing on safe hiking practices and staying alert is sufficient for a safe and enjoyable visit to these national parks.
More Grand Canyon National Park Travel Questions
- Grand Canyon stargazing
- Denver to grand canyon n back
- Best spot to view sunset/sunrise if staying at Yavapai Lodge
- Hermit Road without a Shuttle
- Should we try to include Antelope Canyon
- Just injured my leg -can I still see the Grand Canyon?
- Phantom ranch roundtrip hike in one day posdiblr?
- Driving from south Rim to Page
- Arriving a day before the GC hotel reservation
- Restroom in south rim
- Visit next week
- Dog on a day trip
The attractions mentioned in this question
Popular Destinations
Popular Travel Questions
- August lodging
- Best Western Pacific Grove - recent reviews?
- Weekend stay with kids, ideas for clamping or Airbnb?
- Getting very, very bear-y
- Room for rent
- Guilin Lijiang Moonview Quiet Holiday Lakeside Hotel
- Girdwood or Palmer?
- Question about travel plans in Chaozhou (Specifically Didi a
- Where to see Dark Sky near Rancho Mirage?
- private transfer
- Does taking 2 tours make sense?
- From Page to Kanab ..Marble Canyon, Lee's Ferry? other ideas