Due to the recent alleged spotting of Mountain Lions in the Cheyenne area of Copperopolis the Copper Gazette is posting the following information regarding mountain lions from the Dept of Fish and Game.
You may be attracting mountain
lions to your property without knowing it!
More than half of California is mountain
lion habitat. Mountain lions generally exist wherever deer
are found. They are solitary and elusive, and their nature
is to avoid humans.
Mountain lions prefer deer but, if allowed,
they also eat pets and livestock. In extremely rare cases,
even people have fallen prey to mountain lions.
Mountain lions that threaten people are immediately
killed. Those that prey on pets or livestock can be killed
by a property owner after the required depredation permit is
secured. Moving problem mountain lions is not an option. It
causes deadly conflicts with other mountain lions already there.
Or the relocated mountain lion returns.
Help prevent deadly conflicts with these
beautiful wild animals.
Living in Mountain Lion Country
- Don’t feed deer; it is illegal 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 DFG 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, opossums
and other potential mountain lion prey.
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Identifying
Mountain Lion Tracks
The mountain lion track on the left can be distinguished
from the dog track on the right by the absence of toenail
prints and by the “M” shaped pad |
Staying Safe in Mountain Lion Country
Mountain lions are quiet, solitary
and elusive, and typically avoid people.
Mountain lion attacks on humans
are extremely rare. However, conflicts are increasing as California’s
human population expands into mountain lion habitat.
- Do not hike, bike, or jog alone.
- Avoid hiking or jogging when mountain lions are most active—dawn,
dusk, and at night.
- Keep a close watch on small children.
- Do not approach a mountain lion.
- If you encounter a mountain lion, do not run; instead,
face the animal, make noise and try to look bigger by waving
your arms; throw rocks or other objects. Pick up small children.
- If attacked, fight back.
- If a mountain lion attacks a person,
immediately call 911.
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Mountain lions are quiet,
solitary and elusive,
and
typically avoid people.
click to enlarge
Mountain lions can be found wherever deer,
their primary prey, are found. They are a Specially
Protected Mammal in California and cannot be hunted.
Bobcats are sometimes
mistaken for mountain lions.
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A
campaign supported by the
California Department of Fish and Game |
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