Mountain Lion Reported in Gilroy: Tips on How to Avoid Becoming A Meal

GILROY, CA -- Use caution when hiking or exploring the great outdoors in the South Bay: a mountain lion sighting was recently reported to the Gilroy Police Department.

On March 1, an area resident reported seeing an adult or adolescent mountain lion in the wooded area near Longmeadow Court and Carriage Hill Park.

A search of the area was conducted, but the mountain lion was not located. Gilroy Police say they will work with Department of Fish and Wildlife to help ensure the safety of the public.

Gilroy's general area is in close proximity to mountain lion habitat, and with that being the case, the GPD has advice to keep in mind the following regarding avoiding or responding to Mountain Lion interaction:

• Don't hike alone: Go in groups, with adults supervising children.
• 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 could 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 do not panic and run. Although it may be awkward, pick them up without bending over or turning away from the mountain lion.
• Do not crouch down or bend over. A person squatting or bending over looks a lot like a four-legged prey animal. If you are 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. Again, pick up small children. 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. Since a mountain lion usually tries to bite the head or neck, try to remain standing and face the attacking animal.

Sightings and encounters with wild cats should be to the Gilroy Police Department immediately at (408)846-0350, or the California Department of Fish and Wildlife at (707) 944-5500.

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