What to do if you encounter a mountain lion

The following are tips regarding mountain lion encounters provided on the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s website at https://wildlife.ca.gov/ Keep-me-wild/lion.

• Do not hike, bike, or jog alone. Stay alert on trails.

• Avoid hiking or jogging when mountain lions are most active – dawn, dusk, and at night.

• Keep a close watch on small children. • Off leash dogs on trails are at increased risk of becoming prey for a mountain lion.

• Never approach a mountain lion. Give them an escape route.

• DO NOT RUN. Stay calm. Running may trigger chase, catch and kill response. Do not turn your back. Face the animal, make noise and try to look bigger by waving your arms, or opening your jacket if wearing one; throw rocks or other objects. Pick up small children.

• Do not crouch down or bend over. Squatting puts you in a vulnerable position of appearing much like a 4-legged prey animal.

• Be vocal; however, speak calmly and do not use high pitched tones or high pitch screams.

• Teach others how to behave during an encounter. Anyone who runs may initiate an attack.

• If a lion attacks, fight back. Research on mountain lion attacks suggests that many potential victims have fought back successfully with rocks, sticks, garden tools, even an ink pen or bare hands.try to stay on your feet. If knocked down, try to protect your head and neck.

• If a mountain lion attacks a person, immediately call 911.

• Report unusual mountain lion behavior to your local CDFW regional office.