Reported Mountain Lion Sightings in Canyon Areas South of Redlands

Two mountain lion sightings have been reported in canyon areas south of Redlands, according to city officials.

The most recent report was around 9 p.m. Saturday June 8 in the 900 block of Sunset Hills Lane near Horse Trail Drive, Redlands spokesman Carl Baker said. A similar report in the same area was made earlier last week.

There have been several confirmed mountain lion sightings in Redlands since May 2001, Baker said.

"Of the hundreds of mountain lion sightings reported statewide annually, few are considered safety threats," Baker said. "According to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, mountain lion attacks on humans are rare."

There have been 14 verified mountain lion attacks on humans in California since 1986, three of those fatal, Baker said. The last documented fatal attack occurred in January 2004 in Orange County.

"While there have been several sightings in Redlands over the past 12 years, there have been no documented reports of mountain lion attacks on humans in San Bernardino County," Baker said.

Nevertheless, Baker and other city officials are warning hikers to be aware of the reported sightings and to exercise caution.

Baker shared these Department of Fish and Wildlife guidelines for anyone living in or visiting mountain lion habitat:

• Don’t feed wildlife: By feeding deer, raccoons or other wildlife in your yard, you will inadvertently attract mountain lions, which prey upon them.

• Deer-proof your landscape: Avoid using plants that deer prefer to eat; if your landscaping attracts deer, mountain lions may be close by.

• Landscape for safety: Remove dense and/or low-lying vegetation that would provide good hiding places for mountain lions, especially around children's play areas; make it difficult for mountain lions to approach your yard unseen.

• Install outdoor lighting: Keep the perimeter of your house well lit at night -especially along walkways - to keep any approaching mountain lions visible.

• Keep pets secure: Roaming pets are easy prey for hungry mountain lions. Either bring pets inside or keep them in a kennel with a secure top. Don’t feed pets outside; this can attract raccoons and other mountain lion prey.

• Keep livestock secure: Where practical, place livestock in enclosed sheds and barns at night, and be sure to secure all outbuildings.

• Keep children safe: Keep a close watch on children whenever they play outdoors. Make sure children are inside before dusk and not outside before dawn. Talk with children about mountain lions and teach them what to do if they encounter one. 

• Do not hike alone: Go in groups, with adults supervising children 

 Baker also shared the following tips for anyone who encounters a mountain lion:

• Keep children close to you: Observations of captured wild mountain lions reveal that the animals seem especially drawn to children. Keep children within your sight at all times.

• Do not approach a lion: Most mountain lions will try to avoid a confrontation. Give them a way to escape.

• Do not run from a lion: Running may stimulate a mountain lion's instinct to chase. Instead stand and face the animal. Make eye contact. If you have small children with you, pick them up if possible so they don’t panic and run. Although it may be awkward, pick them up without bending over or turning away from the mountain lion.

• Do not crouch or bend over: If you’re in mountain lion country, avoid squatting, crouching or bending over, even when picking up children

• Do all you can to appear larger: Raise your arms. Open your jacket if you are wearing one. Throw stones, branches or whatever you can reach without crouching or turning your back. Wave your arms slowly and speak firmly in a loud voice. The idea is to convince the mountain lion that you are not prey and that you may be a danger to it.

• Fight back if attacked

More info is available at the Department of Fish and Game's website at www.dfg.ca.gov.