On Sunday, May 21, 2017, the College of Marin Campus Police received a report of a mountain lion sighting near the soccer fields at the Indian Valley Campus (IVC). The California Fish and Game Department has been notified, and there is no immediate danger to those on or visiting the campus.
Staying Safe in Mountain Lion Country
The following information is from a printable brochure published by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW).
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.
You may be attracting mountain lions to your property without even 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 will 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 may be done in extreme circumstances. However, relocation may lead to deadly conflicts with other mountain lions already there. Also, relocated animals often return to their former home area. These outcomes must be considered when deciding whether or not to move any carnivore.
Living in Mountain Lion Country
- Don’t feed deer; it is illegal in California and will only attract mountain lions.
- Deer-proof your landscape by avoiding plants that deer like to eat. For tips, request A Gardener’s Guide to Preventing Deer Damage from CDFW 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 and out-buildings.
- 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.
If in doubt about what to do, ask your local Fish and Wildlife officer or wildlife biologist.
For More Information Contact CDFW
Bay Delta Region
Napa – (707) 944-5500
Sacramento Headquarters - (916) 322-8911
http://www.keepmewild.org
Alternative communication methods are available upon request. If reasonable accommodation is needed, contact the Department of Fish and Wildlife, (916) 322-8911 or the California Relay Service serving deaf and hearing-impaired residents using TTY/TDD phones, and speech-impaired callers, at (800) 735-2929.