Mountain Lion Seen Out Back Door Of Gilroy Home

GILROY, CA -- A mountain lion was spotted Saturday night out the back door of a house located in the area of Welburn Avenue and Rancho Real, a resident reported to the Gilroy Police Department.

During the 7 p.m. incident, the mountain lion left after being confronted by the resident who also indicated having food in their back yard, which may have attracted the animal, police said.

Officers remind people who live in urban areas of the city that border the wilderness that they may encounter mountain lions on occasion. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife provides the following tips for people living in mountain lion country.

· Acknowledge that you live in mountain lion country and make a commitment to educate yourself. Talk to your neighbors and work together.
· Never feed deer or other wildlife, as it is illegal to feed deer and other big game in California, and it will attract mountain lions.
· Deer-proof your landscaping by avoiding plants that deer like to eat. For tips, request A Gardener’s Guide to Preventing Deer Damage from fish and wildlife offices.
· Trim brush to reduce hiding places for mountain lions.
· Don’t leave small children or pets outside unattended.
· Install motion-sensitive lighting around the house.
· Provide sturdy, covered shelters for sheep, goats and other vulnerable animals.
· Don’t allow pets outside when mountain lions are most active—dawn, dusk, and at night.
· Bring pet food inside to avoid attracting raccoons and other potential mountain lion prey.

What do you do if you encounter a mountain lion?

Mountain lions are quiet, solitary and elusive. They typically avoid people by nature. However, as the human population expands into mountain lion habitat, more frequent sightings and confrontations may occur.

Mountain lion attacks on humans are extremely rare. However, attacks have occurred in California. Understanding mountain lion behavior and how to act responsibly in mountain lion country may greatly reduce potential conflict with these majestic animals. The following safety information is a compilation taken from wildlife managers, officers and scientists that study mountain lion behavior.

· 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 it an escape route.
· By all means, don't run. Stay calm. Running may trigger a chase, catch and kill response. Do not turn your back. Face the animal, make noise, try to look bigger by waving your arms, 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 four-legged prey.
· Be vocal. However, speak calmly and do not use high pitched tones or screams.
· Teach others how to behave during an encounter. Anyone who runs may initiate an attack.
· Carry and know how to use bear spray to deter a mountain lion. Bear spray has been shown to be successful in emergency situations with mountain lions. Have the spray readily accessible. Carry in a holster belt or attach to a mountain bike. Talk to the folks at your local outdoor store. Make sure you know how to properly use bear spray. People have been known to spray their own faces when attempting to use it.
· If a lion attacks, fight back. Research on mountain lion attacks suggests that many potential victims have fought back successfully with rocks, sticks, garden tools and even an ink pen or bare hands. Try to stay on your feet. If knocked down, try to protect head and neck.

If a mountain lion attacks a person, immediately call 911. Report unusual mountain lion behavior to the Gilroy Police Department at 408-846-0350 or to the local fish and wildlife regional office.