After Latest Predation, Parks Service Urges Resident to Attend Workshop on How to Protect Animals

MALIBU, CA -- The recent killing of livestock by a mountain lion at a Malibu ranch highlighted the need for the planned workshop on how people can protect their pets and livestock from predation, the National Parks Service said.

A state game warden determined a lion, strongly suspected as P-45, was the culprit in the killing of a dozen farm animals over the weekend.

The workshop, hosted by the California Department of Fish & Wildlife, the NPS, and the Mountain Lion Foundation, was planned for Wednesday before the latest killing of livestock.

Ten alpaca were killed at one ranch near Mulholland Highway at Decker Canyon Road on Saturday. At a second, nearby location, one goat and another alpaca were torn apart Sunday.

"We extend our condolences to those who have lost a pet or animal as a result of being preyed upon by native wildlife," National Parks Service spokeswoman Kate Kuykendall said. "This is extremely unfortunate for everyone."

A permit to shoot and possibly kill a mountain lion was granted to a ranch owner in the mountains above Malibu on Monday. Ranchers have complained for a few months about the suspected predation by P-45, but Kuykendall said killing P-45 won't solve the problem. There are at least four other mountain lions in the Santa Monicas that have killed livestock and pets this past year alone, she said.

"The only long-term solution to keeping mountain lions in these mountains is mountain-lion proof enclosures for otherwise defenseless animals," Kuykendall said.

The “Living in Mountain Lion Country” workshop will offer information about the local population and suggestions on simple and affordable methods for safeguarding animals, the NPS said. A demonstration enclosure and examples of hazing techniques will be available.

The Santa Monica Mountains have long been home to mountain lions and, since the NPS study began in 2002, researchers have documented six different mountain lions that have killed unprotected livestock. According to the NPS, residents that live near open space should bring animals into a full enclosure from dusk until dawn in order to protect animals that cannot protect themselves.

The predation suspected by P-45 is not unusual, even if the number of animals killed is high, Kuykendall said.

"In a typical natural setting, animals flee from a mountain lion attack, but if animals are stuck in an unsecured pen, a mountain lion's natural response can be to prey upon all available animals," she said.

The workshop starts at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Paramount Ranch in Agoura Hills. RSVPs are appreciated but not required. To RSVP, email natureneighbor@nps.gov or call (805) 370-2383.

Those who cannot attend the workshop may also direct questions to the same email address or phone number, the NPS said.

-- Photo courtesy of the NPS