SAFETY ALERT
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Possible Mountain Lion Sighting
Smyth-Fernwald Construction Site
10/12/2012
no crime report
On 10-12-12, UCPD received unconfirmed information of a Mountain Lion sighting near the Smyth-Fernwald construction site. Third-hand information was relayed to UCPD regarding a contract security guard who saw three cubs chasing a doe and two fawns, possibly during the evening of 10-10-12.
Deer are a major food source for Mountain Lions. Last year, several sightings of mountain lions occurred in the hills above the Berkeley campus and carcasses of animals suspected to have been attacked by mountain lions were also discovered.
UCPD is following up on this information and will release further information to the public after interviews with the security company/guards are completed.
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.
If you have any information about this crime, please contact:
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As with any emergency situation, if you see suspicious activity, call 9-1-1 from any phone.
From a cell phone on or near campus, connect with UCPD dispatch by dialing (510) 642-3333.
Subscription to UC Berkeley Police News are available here.
Information on Crime Prevention Strategies.
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Download a PDF version of this Safety Alert for posting. |  |
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Related Links
- Mountain Lion Alerts 2011-2012
- This year's crime alerts and advisories
- Crime alerts for previous years
- See all local crimes on an online Crime Map (click "Agree!"!)
- Use BearWALK and Night Safety Shuttles when traveling the area at night
In an EMERGENCY, from a cell phone on or near campus, dial 510 642-3333 If you have any questions, please contact UCPD:
Email the police
Visit us at 1 Sproul Hall (basement), near Telegraph Avenue & Bancroft Way
Office Hours: Monday – Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Station Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Mail us at University of California Police Department, Berkeley, Records Unit
1 Sproul Hall, MC #1199, Berkeley, CA 94720-1199
Phone: 510 642-6760, 24 hours a day
Fax: 510 643-4655
