April 1, 2019
Dear Campus Community:
A California mountain lion who lives in the nearby Santa Monica Mountains and adjacent to the campus and University Glen community, was seen by a University Police Officer very early this morning on the main part of the campus near the Student Union and Aliso Hall. Our University Police Department has been in contact with the California Department of Fish & Wildlife and are continuing to monitor or respond to sightings.
More than half of California is mountain lion habitat and mountain lions generally exist wherever deer are found. They are solitary and elusive, and their nature is to avoid humans. However, as human population expands into mountain lion habitat, more frequent sightings may occur and human/mountain lion encounters may increase.
In addition to mountain lions that roam the Santa Monica Mountains, humans should also be aware of coyotes and rattlesnakes that also live in these areas.
Mountain lions primarily eat deer, but if allowed, they will prey on vulnerable pets and livestock. Those that prey on pets or livestock can be killed by a property owner after the required permit is secured. Moving problem mountain lions is not an option. It causes deadly territorial conflicts with other mountain lions already there or the relocated mountain lion returns.
The following safety information is a compilation taken from wildlife managers, wildlife officers and scientists that study mountain lion behavior. Although no strategy in the event of an encounter is guaranteed to be successful in every situation, these tips will help keep you safe.
- Do not hike, bike, or jog alone. Stay alert on trails.
- Avoid hiking or jogging when mountain lions are most active - dawn, dusk, and at night.
- Keep a close watch on small children.
- Off leash dogs on trails are at increased risk of becoming prey for a mountain lion.
- Never approach a mountain lion. Give them an escape route.
- Do not run! Stay calm. Running may trigger chase, catch and kill response. Do not turn your back. Face the animal, make noise and try to look bigger by waving your arms, or opening your jacket if wearing one; throw rocks or other objects. Pick up small children.
- Do not crouch down or bend over. Squatting puts you in a vulnerable position of appearing much like a 4-legged prey animal.
- Be vocal; however, speak calmly and do not use high pitched tones or high pitch screams.
- If you see a mountain lion on the campus or in the University Glen community, immediately call 911.
Additional information can be found by visiting the websites below:
Mountain Lion: https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/Keep-Me-Wild/Lion
Rattlesnake: https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/news/snake