Vending machines and cantaloupes kill more people than Mountain lions

Just how dangerous are Mountains lions?  Here are a few amusing facts for comparison. 

Vending machine accidents cause an estimated 2 to 4 deaths per year in the United States, usually resulting from people rocking or tilting them, causing machines (often weighing over 900 pounds) to crush them. Between 1978 and 2021, about 38 deaths and thousands of injuries were reported to safety officials.  Most injuries were recorded among young males.  No surprise there!

Since 1978, just 15 to 20 people have been killed by Mountain lions in the United States and Canada, with fatal attacks remaining extremely rare (less than 30 in North America since 1868). The majority of these attacks occurred in California and Colorado, often involving solitary victims.  Most likely, young and inexperienced Mountains lions suddenly frightened by approaching humans are to blame.  

An estimated 36,640 traffic fatalities were recorded in the United Sates in 2025.  Approximately 100 people per day are killed.

Between the turn of the century and 2020 there were at least 45 cantaloupe-associated outbreaks, resulting in a total of 40 deaths.  Cantaloupes are far more dangerous than Mountain lions.  Next time you food shopping, beware of those plump cantaloupes.

In fact, more Mountain lions are needed, especially in countries where feral dogs are federally protected everywhere, without exception, they occur.

 Originally shared in May 2026 Small Wild Cats Conservation Foundation newsletter.

Photo from BAPP's camera trap network.