Mountain lions are classified as a “specially protected” species in California, tasking the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) with ensuring that viable mountain lion populations continue to exist throughout the state. Based on the best scientific knowledge, research, and methods available, the mountain lion population in the state is considered stable. While sightings and reports of mountain lions have appeared to be increasing, this is likely due to the increase in home security cameras, social media, and other devices.
Mountain lions tend to be very solitary and elusive animals. Attacks on people are very rare with less than 50 verified incidents occurring in California since 1890. In fact a person is 1,000 times more likely to be struck be lightning than attacked by a mountain lion. Encountering one of these animals in the wild, like this roofer in Santa Barbara did just a few days ago, is nonetheless intimidating.
Though attacks are rare, hiking or jogging in groups in mountain lion country can reduce the risk of a dangerous encounter. Children should be supervised and kept close. Observations of wild mountain lions have shown that they’re especially drawn to children and allowing them to play along river banks, in heavy vegetation, or alone at dawn or dusk can invite an attack. If you do encounter a mountain lion it’s best if you stay calm and give it room to escape as the person in the above video does. Keeping his window down is certainly an interesting choice. Read more on mountain lion safety below.
National Park Service Mountain Lion Encounter Guidelines:
- Do not jog or hike alone. Go in groups with adults supervising children.
- Keep children close to you. Do not allow children to play along river banks, in heavy vegetation, or alone at dawn or dusk. When hiking with children, watch them closely and never let them run ahead of you. Observations of captured wild mountain lions reveal that the animals seem especially drawn to children.
If you encounter a lion, remember the goals are to convince it that you are not prey and that you may be dangerous. Follow these safety tips:
- Do not approach a lion. Most mountain lions will try to avoid a confrontation. Give them a way to escape.
- Do not run from a lion. Running may stimulate a mountain lion’s instinct to chase. Instead, stand and face the animal. Make eye contact. If you have small children with you, pick them up if possible so that they don’t panic and run. Although it may be awkward, pick them up without bending over or turning away from the mountain lion.
- Do not crouch down or bend over. A human standing up is just not the right shape for a lion’s prey. Conversely, a person squatting or bending over resembles a four-legged prey animal. In mountain lion country, avoid squatting, crouching or bending over, even when picking up children.
- Do all you can to appear larger. Raise your arms. Open your jacket if you are wearing one. Again, 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 tries to bite the head or neck, try to remain standing and face the attacking animal.