Mountain Lion Watches Calif. Hikers In Tense Standoff: WATCH

TULARE COUNTY, CA — A two-minute video recently posted to YouTube captures what could have potentially been two hikers' last few moments on Earth after they followed a mountain lion they discovered on the Sequoia National Forest's High Sierra Trail in Tulare County earlier this month. The tension emanating from this large California mountain lion during this incredible showdown is apparent to anyone who watches it.

The video, posted by Brian D., shows the big cat, which was standing across a narrow, heavily wooded trail, just seconds before it hustled around a bend in the trail in an attempt to evade the hikers. As the hikers slowly pursued, the animal took what appears to be a defensive position, looking down at the hikers from the side of the trail, giving them the surprise of the lives when they realize they have suddenly become potential prey.

Unsure what to do, the duo can be heard discussing options to scare off the animal.

“What are you supposed to do?” one hiker asks in a whisper. The second hiker replies, “I don’t know... I don’t know. I don’t think you’re supposed to run or go away from it.”

The cat’s gaze is unwavering, and the two decide to slowly back up. The video, which was posted on Aug. 4, has garnered more than 500,000 views so far.

While it is rare for a mountain lion to approach humans, they are known to be deadly if they feel threatened. You can follow a few simple rules from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to keep you and your family safe should you stumble upon one:

• If you see a mountain lion DO NOT APPROACH IT, especially one that is feeding or with offspring. Most mountain lions will try to avoid confrontation.
• Avoid hiking or jogging through wooded areas when mountain lions are most active — dawn, dusk, or at night.
• Keep a close watch on small children when hiking or traveling in or about wooded areas.
• If you encounter a mountain lion, do not run; instead, face the animal, make noise and try to look bigger by waving your arms; throw rocks or other objects. Pick up small children.
• Keep all pets and pet food INDOORS at night. Even the largest domesticated dogs and cats can be prey to a mountain lion, so use caution.
• Do not feed deer. It is illegal in California and it will attract mountain lions.

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Screenshot, video embed courtesy Brian D. via YouTube