A mountain lion has recently been spotted by Escondido Creek near Elfin Forest. Based on the size of the tracks, the Escondido Creek Conservancy believes it to be a young adult male. The National Parks Service suggests doing the following if you come across a mountain lion:
- Stay calm. Face the lion and stand upright. Hold your ground or back slowly away.
- Do not approach the lion, especially if they have kittens. Mountain lions try to avoid confrontation. Give them the opportunity to do so.
- Do not run from a lion. This may stimulate their instinct to chase. Face the animal, make eye contact, and make yourself as big as possible.
- Do not crouch down or bend over. It makes you appear as prey to the lion.
If the mountain lion moves in your direction:
- Do all you can to appear intimidating. Wave your arms slowly. Speak in a loud voice. If appearing larger doesn’t work…
- Throw things in the lion’s direction, but not directly at it. If throwing things in the lion’s direction doesn’t work…
- Throw things at the lion. Your safety is more important than the lion’s.
If the mountain lion attacks you:
- Fight back! People have been known to successfully fight off attacks using everything from sticks and rocks to their bare hands. Always try to remain standing and protect your head and neck.