If you encounter a cougar ...

COUGAR ENCOUNTERS

• The following are guidelines in the event that you do encounter a cougar:
  • Stay calm and keep the cougar in view.  Pick up children immediately - children frighten easily, the noise and movements they make could provoke an attack.  Back away slowly, ensuring that the animal has a clear avenue of escape.  Make yourself look as large as possible.  Keep the cougar in front of you at all times.
• Never run or turn your back on a cougar.  Sudden movement may provoke an attack.
• If a cougar shows interest or follows you, respond aggressively.  Maintain eye contact with the cougar, show your teeth and make loud noise.  Arm yourself with rocks or sticks as weapons.  Crouch down as little as possible when bending down to pick up things off of the ground.
• If a cougar attacks, fight back.  Convince the cougar you are a threat and not prey.  Use anything you can as a weapon.  Focus your attack on the cougar's face and eyes.

http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/cos/info/wildlife_human_interaction/docs/cougars.html