List of fatal cougar attacks in North America

This is a list of known or suspected fatal cougar attacks that occurred in North America by decade in chronological order.

[2][3][4] Generally, humans are not considered as prey by carnivores, including cougars.

As with many predators, a cougar may attack if cornered, if a fleeing human stimulates their instinct to chase, or if a person "plays dead."

[6] Fighting back with sticks and rocks, or even bare hands is often effective in persuading an attacking cougar to disengage, though one should be careful when bending down as it make you look smaller which could encourage the cougar to attack.

*NOTE: Probable false report Earl Wilson, 10, Male NOTE: this case is highly contentious and experts vary in opinion as to whether or not this was an official cougar attack.