Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office launched an air rescue mission late last week after a hiker dialed 911 and reported he was being stalked by a mountain lion on the Boccardo Loop Trail in San Jose last. The hiker was two miles from the trail head at Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve when he made his emergency call.
“The hiker reported that a mountain lion was stalking him while he was walking along the Boccardo Loop Trail. With limited cell service and unable to safely continue, he remained in place roughly two miles from the trailhead until help could arrive.” –Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office
Sheriff’s deputies spun up their STAR 1 helicopter to assist the San Jose Police Department with finding a stranded hiker. The air rescue team spotted the man from the air and landed the helicopter. Accompanied by the rescue team, the hiker made it safely out of the preserve uninjured.
Learn more about hiking safely in mountain lion territory below:
Mountain Lion Safety Guidelines:
Mountain lions are solitary, elusive animals and sightings are extremely rare. Based on more than 250,000 GPS locations collected since 2002, it is clear that mountain lions prefer natural areas and attempt to avoid coming in contact with humans.
If you do encounter a mountain lion, make yourself appear as large and intimidating as possible by yelling, waving your arms, and even throwing objects in the direction of the animal. Slowly back away and allow space for the mountain lion to move away. Do not turn your back and run.
Consider these mountain lion safety tips while living or recreating in mountain lion country.
The California Department of Fish & Wildlife is responsible for managing mountain lions in the state of California and determining when a mountain lion is a threat to public safety.
