Boise (670 KBOI News) – Memorial Day weekend is coming up in a few days, and many folks who otherwise would never set foot in the woods, will head out for a weekend of camping.

So, while encounters with wildlife — like mountain lions — are rare, they could happen, as one did over the weekend in Washington.

If it does, Roger Phillips with Idaho Fish and Game says the most important thing to do is…don’t panic.

“The first thing you do is don’t run,” said Phillips.  “You’re not going to outrun a mountain lion.  If you have kids with you, you want to pick them up, keep them with you.  Don’t turn your back to them, don’t crouch down, or try to hide.  Keep an eye on them, and watch what they do.  More than likely, they’re going to turn around and run off.”

Phillips says if the cat makes an aggressive move, make a lot of noise, threaten it, and make yourself look as big as possible. If it attacks, fight back and it will likely run off.

Fish and Game has an online pamphlet called Living with Mountain Lions…click here to see it.