Mountain Lion Web Site:Tips




Tips When Living In Lion Country...

Because people are now encroaching on territory in California which was formerly uninhabited, encounters with mountain lions have increased in recent years. If you live in mountain lion habitat, here's what you can do to reduce your chances of encountering a mountain lion near your home:

  • DON'T FEED WILDLIFE:
    • By attracting cougar's natural prey - deer, raccoons and other small animals -you will inadvertently attract mountain lions, which prey upon them.

  • "DEER-PROOF" YOUR LANDSCAPE:
    • Avoid using plants that deer prefer to eat; if your landscaping attracts deer, mountain lions may be close by.

  • LANDSCAPE FOR SAFETY:
    • Remove dense and/or low-lying vegetation that would provide good hiding places for mountain lions, especially around children's play areas; make it difficult for mountain lions to approach your yard unseen.

  • INSTALL OUTDOOR LIGHTING:
    • Keep the perimeter of your house well lit at night--especially along walkways-- to keep lions visible.

  • KEEP PETS SECURE:
    • Roaming pets are easy prey for hungry mountain lions. Either bring pets inside or keep them in a kennel with a secure top. Don't feed pets outside; this can attract other mountain lion prey.

  • KEEP LIVESTOCK SECURE:
    • Where practical, place livestock in enclosed sheds and barns at night, and be sure to secure all outbuildings.

  • KEEP CHILDREN SAFE:
    • Keep a close watch on children whenever they play outdoors. Make sure children are inside between dusk and dawn. Teach your children what do do if they encounter a lion.

  • DO ALL YOU CAN TO APPEAR LARGER:
    • Raise your arms. Open your jacket if you are wearing one. Pick up small children. Throw stones, branches, or whatever you can reach without crouching or turning your back. Wave your arms slowly and speak firmly in a loud voice. The idea is to convince the mountain lion that you are not prey and that you may be a danger to it.

  • FIGHT BACK IF ATTACKED:
    • A hiker in Southern California used a rock to fend off a mountain lion that was attacking his son. Others have fought back successfully with sticks, caps, jackets, garden tools and their bare hands. Since a mountain lion usually tried to bite the head or neck, try to remain standing and face the attacking animal.



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