Within the last week, mountain lions(cougars) have been seen early in the morning hunting for food in Southern California, and near Highway 280 between Woodside and Daily City, California.
In talking to a person who lives in Woodside, said that he was on his way to work and saw a mountain lion crossing the road, near the intersection, before you get on Highway 280, going north. "As soon as it saw my car," he said, "It took off up the hillside and disappeared. I never saw an animal move, so fast, and disappear as quickly as this one did."
What does this suggest this early in the year? Does it mean because we are not having any rain, for several weeks, that the cats are coming out with their young, to feed. Or are they just moving around close to residential areas looking for food.
There is a bill in Sacramento sponsored by Senator Jerry Hill, D-San Mateo, CA, that would require a nonlethal method on handling cougars, unless there is a public safety threat. This bill was proposed because the killing of two cougar cubs that were hiding under a house in Half Moon Bay.
Here are several suggestions to do if you come upon a mountain lion: don't run, they will chase you, because that is their nature in hunting for food; stand as tall as you can and yell at the cat; pick up several rocks, if you can, and throw the rocks at the cat while yelling; and don't make any quick movements, do everything slowly. A quick movement sets off a defense that would make them attack.
Remember these are only suggestions. The best thing to do is to beware of your surroundings, and don't get in a predicament with a mountain lion.
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