Living Desert officials advised residents on Thursday to be vigilant for a possible mountain lion in the area because there were "confirmed wild mountain lion sightings" at the attraction on Dec. 20, a representative for the zoo said Dec. 26 in a statement.
According to the state Department of Fish and Wildlife, there have been more than a dozen documented mountain lion attacks on humans in California since 1986.
Living Desert officials on Thursday cited "scientific evidence that mountain lions inhabiting areas close to humans are no real cause for concern and that these lions generally attempt to stay away from people," and attributed the info to the Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Jeff Villepique, a state environmental scientist and wildlife biologist, advises residents to check mountain lion info on www.dfg.ca.gov/keepmewild/lion.
The most important thing residents can do is keep pets inside, particularly at night, according to Villepique. Keeping pets indoors helps prevent them from attracting a mountain lion to a residential area.
"After confirmed wild mountain lion sightings at The Living Desert last Friday, zoo officials urge surrounding residents to keep themselves and their pets safe," the attraction's statement Thursday said. "Although, there have been no reported sightings of the mountain lion since early Friday morning, public and pet safety remains a top priority."
The Living Desert is billed as an accredited zoo and gardens, dedicated to conservation and education. For more info call (760) 346-5694 or visit www.LivingDesert.org. The Living Desert is at 47900 Portola Ave. in Palm Desert, Calif.
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