Our VT homestead was visited by a cougar 3 years ago. It was interested in our sheep and goats. We were able to finally scare it off through a combination of aimed gunfire and lots of noise (dog barking, wife banging pots and pans).

Now we have a Great Pyranees and she keeps the predators away.

EDIT: We are in the Chateauguay Wilderness in the center of the state. Miles and miles of connected forest.