If You Encounter a Mountain Lion

8 minutes ago

2 min read

What do you get if you cross a mountain lion and a bear?

Dead! You get dead, man.

My apologies . . . a very old joke but it still makes me laugh.

But there IS a mountain lion in Mission Trails Park (caught on game cameras) and that's no joke. This park is located about eight miles northeast of downtown San Diego.

Read on. . .

A mountain lion has now been spotted several times across Mission Trails Regional Park, and we want to remind everyone who visits or lives near the park to know how to safely share this landscape with one of California’s native predators.

Mountain lions generally avoid people, and simply seeing one does not mean it is a threat. Their presence is also an encouraging sign that Mission Trails continues to provide important habitat for wildlife.

Please use extra caution around dawn, dusk and after dark. Avoid running or hiking alone in the dark, and skip the headphones so you can stay aware of what’s happening around you.

If you encounter a mountain lion:

Do not run. Running can trigger its instinct to chase.

Face the animal and stay upright. Do not crouch or bend over.

Make yourself look larger by raising your arms or opening your jacket.

Speak firmly and back away slowly, giving the animal plenty of space and a clear escape route.

Keep children close and pick up small children if you can do so without bending over.

Keep pets leashed and close to you.

If a mountain lion attacks, fight back.

If you live near the park, bring pets inside at night and avoid leaving pet food, water or other attractants outdoors. Drivers should also use extra caution on Mission Gorge Road, where the mountain lion appears to be moving between areas of open space.

A mountain lion making its home at Mission Trails is an encouraging sign. This is what protected open space is supposed to do: provide enough healthy, connected habitat for wildlife, including large predators, to survive and move through the landscape. Mountain lions are an important part of that ecosystem, helping maintain the natural balance that supports the park’s incredible biodiversity.