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UCPD NEWS: Mountain Lion Sighting

[December 21, 2011, Berkeley, CA ]

On Tuesday, December 20, 2011 at approximately 8:11 p.m., a report of an unverified sighting of two mountain lions was made.  The mountain lions were seen running north on Lawrence Road toward Glaser Road at Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory.  In the past year, several sightings of mountain lions have occurred in the hills above the Berkeley campus and carcasses of animals suspected to have been attacked by mountain lions have also been discovered.

To reduce the chances of encountering a Mountain Lion:

• 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.
• 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.
• Hike with a good walking stick; this can be useful in warding off a lion.
  

To reduce the chances of an attack when encountering a Mountain Lion:

• Do not approach a lion, especially if it is feeding or with its young. Most lions will avoid confrontation. Give them a way to escape.
• 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.
• Pick up small children so they don't panic and run. This will also make you appear larger. Avoid bending over or crouching.
• If the lion acts aggressively, throw rocks, branches, or whatever can be obtained without turning your back or bending over.
• Fight back if attacked. Since a mountain lion usually tries to bite the head or neck, try to remain standing and face the attacking animal. People have successfully fought back with rocks, sticks, or bare hands.

 

Safety Alert to Print and Post (PDF)

 

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