Mountain Lions are occasionally sighted on the UCSC campus. They are very shy and elusive animals. Chances are you will never get to see one of these majestic creatures in the wild, but if you do, the California Department of Fish and Game recommends that you take the following actions, which are based on behavior analysis of attacks by mountain lions, tigers and leopards:

DO NOT HIKE ALONE. Make plenty of noise to reduce your chances of surprising a lion. Go in groups, with adults supervising children. A sturdy walking stick is a good idea: you can use it to ward off a lion.

KEEP CHILDREN CLOSE TO YOU. Observations of captured lions reveal that the animals seem especially drawn to children. Keep children within your sight at all times.

STOP! Do not run from a lion. Back away from it slowly, but only if you can do so safely. Running may stimulate a lion's instinct to chase and attack. Face the lion and stand upright. Make eye contact. If you have small children with you, pick them up so they won't panic and run. Although it may seem awkward, pick them up without bending over or turning away from the lion.

DO NOT BEND OR CROUCH OVER; DO ALL YOU CAN TO APPEAR LARGER. A person squatting or bending over looks a lot like a four-legged prey animal. Raise your arms. Open your jacket, if you're wearing one. Throw stones, branches, or whatever you can grab without crouching down or turning your back. Wave your arms slowly and speak firmly in a large voice.

DO NOT APPROACH A LION, especially one that is feeding or with kittens. Most mountain lions will try to avoid confrontation. Give them a way to escape.

FIGHT BACK IF ATTACKED. Try to stay on your feet if a lion attacks you. Lions have been driven off by prey that fights back. Some hikers have fought back successfully with sticks, caps, jackets, garden tools, and their bare hands. Since lions usually try to bite the head or neck, try to remain standing and face the attacking animal.

For more information about mountain lions, please contact the Department of Fish and Game, 1416 Ninth Street, Sacramento, CA 95814

PLEASE REPORT ALL MOUNTAIN LION SIGHTINGS ON OR NEAR THE UCSC CAMPUS, AS WELL AS ANY ANIMAL CARCASS THAT COULD BE ATTRIBUTED TO A LION KILL, TO THE UNIVERSITY ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER, JEN HOLZ, at 459-2231

Back to Living with Wildlife
To UCSC Animal Control Officer Homepage