Mountain lion spotted on 4500 block Little John Road

According to sources a mountain lion was just spotted in the 4500 block of Little John Road on water district property at approximately 9:20 am on September 7, 2014.

Just a note of caution when living in the foothills. Be aware of your surroundings.
Tips from the Mountian Lion foundation if you come in contact with a mountain lion: 
If you do see a mountain lion, no matter how thrilled you are to be one of the very few who gets such an opportunity, stay well back, and take the encounter seriously.

• Make yourself appear as large as possible.

  Make yourself appear larger by picking up your children, leashing pets in, and standing close to other adults. Open your jacket. Raise your arms. Wave your raised arms slowly.
  

• Make noise.

  Yell, shout, bang your walking stick against a tree. Make any loud sound that cannot be confused by the lion as the sound of prey. Speak slowly, firmly and loudly to disrupt and discourage predatory behavior.
  

• Act like a predator yourself.

  Maintain eye contact. Never run past or from a mountain lion. Never bend over or crouch down. Aggressively wave your raised arms, throw stones or branches, all without turning away.
  

• Slowly create distance.

  Assess the situation. Consider whether you may be between the lion and its kittens, or between the lion and its prey or cache. Back slowly to a spot that gives the mountain lion a path to get away, never turning away from the animal. Give a mountain lions the time and ability to move away.
  

• Protect yourself.

  If attacked, fight back. Protect your neck and throat. People have utilized rocks, jackets, garden tools, tree branches, walking sticks, fanny packs and even bare hands to turn away cougars.
  

 

Uncovering the Mountain Lion Mystique re-run from 2-15-14

As more reports come across my desk of possible mountain lion sightings I felt it was important to, once again, run the February 15, 2014 article regarding Mountain Lions in our area.

Uncovering the Mountain Lion Mystique

In a short interview with Kyle Orr of the Dept Fish and Game regarding the recent attacks on livestock in Copperopolis by mountain lions he attempted to remove some of the mystique, and/or misunderstanding that surround these animals.

According to Orr, mountain lions are "opportunistic predators." What that means is that if an opportunity to dine comes before them, they take it.

Mountain lions preferred meal of choice is deer. Orr also states that the resident deer population in the Copperopolis area "is very healthy." Which in turn creates a more abundance of mountain lions, begetting possibly more domesticated livestock attacks. Feeding of local deer compounds the issue.

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

Possible Mountain Lion sighting in Saddle Creek

Two sightings of mountain lions occurred Saturday 3-8-14 in Saddle Creek.
One spotted on Rock Ridge, another spotted by the Quail Trail.
Please call the Sheriff Dept to report a mountain lion. 754-6500.

These spottings have not been verified by Fish and Game at this point.

Uncovering the Mountain Lion Mystique

In a short interview with Kyle Orr of the Dept Fish and Game regarding the recent attacks on livestock in Copperopolis by mountain lions he attempted to remove some of the mystique, and/or misunderstanding that surround these animals.

According to Orr, mountain lions are "opportunistic predators." What that means is that if an opportunity to dine comes before them, they take it.

Mountain lions preferred meal of choice is deer. Orr also states that the resident deer population in the Copperopolis area "is very healthy." Which in turn creates a more abundance of mountain lions, begetting possibly more domesticated livestock attacks. Feeding of local deer compounds the issue.

Mountain Lion awareness - Dept of Fish and Game

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. 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.

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. Download Poster (PDF) Download Brochure (PDF)

A campaign supported by the California Department of Fish and Game

Citizen report of possible mountian lion on Arrowhead

Earlier this morning a cittizen reported seeing a mountian lion on Arrowhead.
Copper Gazette is following up with animal control and Dept of Fish and Game. We will keep you posted.