Mountain Lion Sightings, Do You Know What to Do?

A mountain lion sighting in San Elijo Hills has neighbors on edge. If you see one, don't run or act like prey by crouching down. Make noise and try to look bigger by waving your arms; throw rocks or other objects. Pick up small children.

The following release is from the Sheriff's Department:

Deputies from the San Marcos Sheriff’s Station received the call on Sunday, January 19th just after 9:00 a.m. Witnesses reported seeing the mountain lion in the 1500 block of Glencrest Drive, 1700 block of Melrose Drive and 2200 block of Silverado Street in the San Elijo Hills area. Sheriff’s ASTREA flew over the area to search for the mountain lion, but was not able to confirm reports of the sightings.

The California Department of Fish and Game has been notified. Its officers also checked the area, but did not find the big cat. The agency has received unconfirmed reports of mountain lion sightings over the weekend as well.

The following safety tips have been provided by the California Department of Fish and Game:
•Do not feed deer; it is illegal in California and it will attract mountain lions.
•Trim brush to reduce hiding places for mountain lions.
•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.
•Do not leave small children or pets outside unattended.
•Install motion-sensitive lighting around the house.
•Do not hike, bike, or jog alone.
•Avoid hiking or jogging when mountain lions are most active—dawn, dusk, and at night.
•Do not approach a mountain lion.
•If you encounter a mountain lion, do not run; instead, face the animal, make noise and try to look bigger by waving your arms; throw rocks or other objects. Pick up small children.
•If attacked, fight back
•If a mountain lion attacks a person, immediately call 911.

For questions concerning this incident or to report a mountain lion sighting, call the California Department of Fish and Game at (951) 443-2969.
Contact Information:
California Department of Fish and Game
951-443-2969

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