Possible mountain lion sighting over the weekend

On March 22, 2014 social media stated a possible mountain lion sighting near Snowbird and Moccasin. While this cannot be verified through the Sheriff Dept or Ca Dept of Fish and Wildlife, Kyle Orr of Dept of Fish and Wildlife states that tracking of mountain lion sightings is not currently done due to the high numbers of sightings throughout the State. However, he did state that sightings tend to rise in the Spring and Summer due to the fact that more and more people are outdoors enjoying nature, the natural habitat for the lion.

Orr urges residents in rural communities to not feed deer. Feeding deer is not only illegal it brings in populations that may not have existed in the area before. Healthy deer populations beget mountain lions, as this is their primary food source. The lion may track the deer to the community where it is being fed, a cause and effect situation. Again, do not feed the deer.

Courtesy photo - NOT taken in Copperopolis


An adult male mountain lion can have a territory in excess of 100 square miles which can lead to a sighting at one end of the territory on one day and a sighting of the same lion over hundred miles away in another area.

"We are sharing their habitat, we both need a healthy respect for one another. Just seeing a mountain lion is not, in itself, cause for concern." Says Orr.

However, Orr states that if you feel threatened by a mountain lion to please call 911.

If you would like more information about mountain lions in California visit  http://www.dfg.ca.gov/wildlife/lion/