A 19-year-old dirtbike rider in Arroyo Grande, California suffered from a case of mistaken identity after reporting what he thought was a mountain lion attack after a feline jumped from a tree, causing him to fall from his bike.
The San Luis Obispo Tribune reports man suffered a minor concussion from the fall and his helmet visor was torn off during the impact. California Fish and Wildlife launched an investigation after receiving a report of a suspected mountain lion that launched itself from the tree and scratched a person’s leg.
DNA samples victim’s clothing and helmet to the department’s Wildlife Forensic Laboratory in Sacramento for genetic testing. Lab results determined the DNA was not from a mountain lion, rather they showed domestic cat DNA.
The man maintains he was attacked by a mountain lion despite the forensic evidence to the contrary. While people might be quick to rag on this dude for thinking a house cat was a mountain lion, remember he hit his head in the heat in the moment and mistakes are made when emotions are high. Get well buddy.
California Department of Fish and Wildlife Mountain Lion Introduction:
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife is tasked with ensuring viable mountain lion (Puma concolor) populations persist throughout the state where suitable habitat and other environmental conditions allow. Mountain lions are classified as a ‘specially protected’ species in California following the passage of the The California Wildlife Protection Act of 1990 (Proposition 117).
Statewide mountain lion population estimates are considered stable based on the best scientific knowledge, research, and methods available. CDFW is currently finalizing a statewide population abundance and density estimate for mountain lions using information gained from rigorous statistical analyses using non-invasive scat survey and satellite-collar data. Estimating population densities an elusive species in a state as geographically large and diverse as California is a complex task. Historic studies over the last 40 years have estimated population densities for different habitat types throughout California.
Increased sightings and reports of mountain lions are likely due to the increased presence of home security cameras (e.g., ring doorbells), social media, and personal trail cameras often used for hunting, wildlife photography and leisure purposes.
General Biology
Mountain lions are the second largest felid in North America with the largest geographic range of carnivores in the western hemisphere that stretches from southern Chile to the Canadian Yukon. The mountain lion is known by over 40 different common names including but not limited to puma, cougar, panther, red tiger, catamount, and screamer. Mountain lions inhabit diverse habitat types across California including temperate redwood forest, coniferous / deciduous forest, coastal chaparral, foothills and mountains. They can be found wherever native or introduced ungulates such as mule deer, elk, bighorn sheep, or feral hogs are present.
Size
- Body Length: 37.5-55 in (female) 42.1-66.1 in (male)
- Tail Length: 22.4-36.2 in
- Weight: 50.7-110 lb (female), 85-170 lb (male)
images from californiadfg flickr