Mountain Lions

This fall, there have been several reports of mountain lion sightings on campus south of Laurel Drive in the evening and early morning hours. The animals have been behaving normally and there does not appear to be any extraordinary threat to public safety. Although there has never been a known attack by a lion on a human in this area, please note the following safety tips:

• Do not approach a mountain lion. Most mountain lions will try to avoid a confrontation. Give the mountain lion a way out.
• Do not run from a mountain lion. Running may stimulate the animal’s instinct to chase. Stand and face the animal, make eye contact. If you have small children with you, pick them up so they don’t panic and run. Try to pick up children without turning your back to the lion. Try not to crouch or bend over.
• Do all you can to appear larger. Raise your arms. Open your shirt or jacket if possible. Throw stones, branches, or whatever is in reach without bending down. Wave your arms slowly and speak in a loud voice.
• Fight back if attacked. Convince the animal that you are a danger to it!
• Immediately report all encounters with a mountain lion near our campus. Call 826-5555.
• More information on California mountain lions can be found at the Department of Fish and Game website.

A flyer is available for print. You will need to have downloaded and installed Adobe Acrobat Reader.