Mountain Lions

Although at last count Bear Valley Springs could only claim a population of around nine mountain lions, it is still a good thing to know your wildlife neighbors, no matter how rarely you encounter them.  First on the list should be knowing what the Mountain Lion looks like.  The adult male may be more than 8 feet long fro
m nose to end of tail and generally weigh between 130 and 150 lbs.  Adult females can be 7 feel long and weigh between 65 and 90 lbs.  He is unspotted, tawny-colored on top and buff below.  He has a relatively small head and small, rounded, black-tipped ears.  Its long tail is also black-tipped.

Mountain Lions are solitary, strongly territorial hunters who, unlike most cat species, may be active during the day.  Normally, lions are very elusive, and people rarely get more than a brief glimpse of a Mountain Lion in the wild.  They are, however, unpredictable and have been known to attack people.

The predatory behavior of a Mountain Lion is very similar to the domestic cat.  The lion will attempt to conceal inself for a surprise attach while stalking its prey.  A crouched position is assumed with the tail twitching and the ears upright.  An agitated lion may snarl and lay its ears back.

Here are a few tips for avoiding that chace encounter with a Mountain Lion:
   1.  Avoid hiking alone, especially between dusk and dawn, when lions normally do their hunting.  Make plenty of noise while you hike so as to reduce the chances of surprising a lion.
   2.  Always keep children in sight while hiking and within arm's reach in areas that can conceal a lion.  Mountain Lions seem to be drawn to children.
   3.  Hike with a good walking stick; this can be useful in warding off a lion.
   4.  Do not approach a lion, especially if it is feeding or with its young.  Most lions will avoid a confrontation.  Give them a way to escape.
   5.  Stay calm and face the lion.  Do not run because this may trigger the lion's instinct to attack.  Try to appear larger by raising your hands.
   6.  Pick up small children so they don't panic and run.  This will also make you appear larger.  Avoid bending over or crouching.
   7.  Fight back if attacked.  Since a mountain lion usually tries to bite the head or neck, try to remain standing and face the attaching animal.  People have successfully fought back with rocks, sticks, or bare hands.

And, as a final piece of good advice:  Report any Mountain Lion sightings to the Police Department and/or CSD.