Discover how a dedicated hiker and his family relied on a Byrna less-lethal launcher to safely deter a mountain lion. This incredible true story highlights the power and reliability of Byrna products in unexpected situations.
A Hiker's Close Call: How a Byrna Stopped a Mountain Lion
A peaceful evening hike with family took a terrifying turn when a mountain lion began to stalk them on the trail. What started as a scenic walk quickly became a lesson in preparedness, calm thinking, and the life-saving power of less-lethal self-defense.
This is the true story of one hiker who, armed with his Byrna SD, protected his family without resorting to deadly force.
The First Encounter
It was a normal night hike when one of the hikers noticed movement about 25 feet away. A mountain lion was on the trail. The group, which included a child, immediately made their presence known with calm but assertive noise. The mountain lion retreated, and the family continued, with the prepared hiker keeping a watchful eye on their rear.
The Stalk Begins
Minutes later, the animal reappeared, this time much closer—only 15 feet away. The situation was escalating, and the mountain lion showed no signs of backing down. Knowing he had to act, the hiker drew his Byrna SD, loaded with hard Kinetic projectiles.
He fired three rounds: one to the left, one above, and one to the right. The loud crack and ricochet of the rounds was enough to make the predator turn and run, disappearing from sight.
The Final Stand
The family continued their return to the trailhead, but the mountain lion wasn't finished. It reappeared a third time. Now, there was no room for error. The hiker, facing the rear and ready, fired four more rounds. This time, three of the projectiles struck the mountain lion in the chest, while the fourth missed as the animal ducked away.
The impact was undeniable. The mountain lion retreated and did not return. Thanks to a spare magazine, the hiker was able to quickly reload and stay prepared for the rest of the walk back to safety.
A Powerful Outcome
In a potentially tragic situation, the hiker was able to protect his family and deter a dangerous predator without causing it fatal harm. This story is a powerful testament to the effectiveness of less-lethal tools and why we stand behind them.
At Nakestores, we are a Byrna Premier Dealer, committed to providing you with the very same products and accessories used in this incredible story. The incident highlights several key takeaways for anyone who spends time outdoors:
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Situational Awareness: Always be aware of your surroundings, especially in wildlife areas.
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The Power of Less-Lethal: A non-lethal launcher can provide a critical advantage without the irreversible consequences of deadly force.
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Be Prepared: Always carry a spare magazine and extra CO2 cartridges.
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Train with Your Device: Knowing how to use your Byrna quickly and calmly is what makes the difference.
This hiker's story is a reminder that preparedness isn't just a good idea; it can be the difference between a close call and a tragedy.
Want to be prepared like this hiker?
Explore our full range of Byrna launchers, ammo, and accessories and equip yourself with the confidence to handle any situation.
