Massive Mountain Lion Casually Strolls Past Hiker In Heart-Pounding Interaction | Travel News

Encountering wildlife is a common part of hiking, but for most people, spotting a mountain lion would be enough to cause a major fright. While such an encounter is unlikely in the United States, it’s considerably more probable in Patagonia.

Patagonia, at the southern tip of South America, has the highest population of pumas. So, while it's not unusual to see a mountain lion on a hike, actually coming face-to-face with one is something you really can't plan for—just like what happened to Mariana Cabral, who managed to film her unexpected encounter. You can watch the video below!

One viewer jokes, “Notice how he sticks to the designated trail? So composed and careful,” while another adds, “That cat looks like it hasn’t been hungry in ages.”

Thankfully, a well-fed mountain lion in Patagonia doesn’t mean it's been a threat to people. In fact, these animals are known to be pretty relaxed around humans, partly because places like Torres del Paine National Park offer them vast spaces free from human domination.

So, what should you do if you meet a mountain lion? In these areas, the lions have plenty of alternative food sources and ample room to roam, which helps reduce the stress that can trigger an attack. Still, it's always wise to stay calm, keep your distance, and avoid running—exactly as Mariana did.

As one observer noted, “The fact that you stayed so calm and captured such a clear video is amazing. Kudos to you!”