By Noel Smith
The Santa Cruz Mountains are a great place for mountain lions to live. There are also lots of opportunities to encounter these elusive creatures because of the wooded areas that border and run through many of our residential areas. There are also the riparian corridors (Moore Creek, San Lorenzo River, Branciforte Creek, Arana Gulch, Rodeo Gulch, Soquel Creek, Tannery Gulch, Borregas Creek, Aptos Creek, Trout Gulch, Valencia Creek, etc.) that run from the mountains, through our communities all the way to the bay.
Mountain Lion Safety Tips
Mountain Lions are roaming throughout most of our county. They are normally shy and almost ethereal animals. However the chances you will get to see one of these majestic creatures seems to be increasing because their prey (primarily deer) as they search for water and food are coming ever closer to where we live. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife recommends that you take the following actions when you are in or near one the riparian corridors or away from urban areas:
Do not hike, bike, or jog ALONE
Avoid walking near dense growth, rock outcroppings, or under ledges
Don’t plan outdoor activities from dusk to dawn
Keep Children Close to You
Go in groups with adults supervising children. A sturdy walking stick is a good idea. It can also be used as a club to ward off a lion.
If you encounter a Mountain Lion:
Potentially threatening behaviors include:
- Following people closely and secretively
- Intently watching children
- Twitching tail
- Stomping front or hind feet
- Approaching people with ears pinned back and hissing
- On the ground and refusing to flee when you are shouting at them aggressively and/or blowing a whistle
Stop and stand still. Do not run. Back away slowly if you can do so safely. Running may trigger a lion’s instinct to chase and attack. Face the lion and stand upright. Make eye contact. If you have small children with you, pick them up without bending over or turning away from the lion and put the child on your shoulders to appear larger.
Make yourself look big: Raise your coat, jacket, or any clothing with your arms — Stand up straight, and swell your chest. Throw whatever you can grab without crouching down or turning your back. Wave your arms slowly and speak firmly in a loud voice.
Don’t try to sooth it verbally
Children with no adult should be in a group and should bunch together
If the lion displays aggression you must NOT turn your back, crouch, kneel, or bend over.
Carry mace or pepper spray where you can easily reach it.
Do not approach a mountain lion, especially when it is feeding or is with kittens. Most mountain lions will try to avoid confrontation so give them a way to escape.
If you are attacked: Stay on your feet facing the attacking animal. Lions usually try to bite the head or neck. Use fists, sticks, rocks, tools, a pocketknife, caps, jackets, garden tools, a bicycle, whatever you can hit with, throw, and/or use as a shield. Target an eye with your thumbs, fingers, or a weapon.
If you live in a rural area of the Santa Cruz Mountains, here are some tips from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife:
Living in Mountain Lion Country
- Don’t feed deer; it is illegal in California and it will attract mountain lions.
- Deer-proof your landscaping by avoiding plants that deer like to eat.
- Trim brush to reduce hiding places for mountain lions.
- Don’t leave small children or pets outside unattended.
- Install motion-sensitive lighting around the house.
- Provide sturdy, covered shelters for sheep, goats, chickens and other vulnerable animals.
- Don’t allow pets outside when mountain lions are most active—dawn, dusk, and at night.
- Bring pet food inside to avoid attracting raccoons, opossums and other potential mountain lion prey.
A mountain lion in a tree or crouching in some vegetation near to a trail or a residence may mean it is hiding until people pass, but don’t take chances and move carefully away.
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To contact the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Mountain Lion Program email: [email protected]. If you feel threatened or in danger call 911.