1. Once a week wash out the trash cans with bleach and sprinkle the top rim with red cayenne pepper.
2. When hiking put a small clear tone bell on your boots or belt. If you have a dog with you put one on his/her collar. Mt. Lions are a bundle of nerves and the sound of bells will usually keep them away. I t also works with bears.
3. When camping hang your food approximately 9' above ground and put red cayenne pepper on the top lid of your ice chest.
4. When you are away from camp leave a small battery powered radio playing. It helps to also wrap it in a sandwich baggie to keep the moisture out. It works for both mountain lions and bears.
5. Do not let small children hike alone in the woods and do not let them out of your sight when hiking.
6. Bears have poor eyesight, good hearing and an excellent sense of smell. If they know you are coming they will get out of your way.
7. Mt. Lions are very curious just like a house cat. If you meet one in the woods, make yourself seem as tall as possible and keep on the uphill side of them while moving away.
These are a few helpful hints to help avoid wildlife encounters. The best thing to do however is to call a wildlife professional.