Mountain lion on the prowl in SLO neighborhood. Here’s what to do if you see one
Locals have reported a string of mountain lion sightings in parts of San Luis Obispo.
Several community members have spotted a cougar roaming in the Laguna Lake neighborhood and Irish Hills Open Space over the past few weeks, according to the city of San Luis Obispo.
No pets have been reported missing, but the cougar is on the prowl, according to city biologist Freddy Otte.
“We are hopeful that this large cat is following deer that are foraging in the area since the recent rains,” Otte said in a Tuesday, Jan. 13, news release. “We expect the mountain lion will move back into the open space or away from the residential neighborhoods, but the California Department of Fish and Wildlife is working to track its movements.”
San Luis Obispo is considered mountain lion country, he said, but there are ways to safely live beside the big cats.
Here’s what to do if you encounter one:
How to avoid mountain lions in SLO
Mountain lions are most active at night and during dawn and dusk, the city of San Luis Obispo said.
Otte recommended avoiding open space areas amid these times of day and keeping pets — especially rabbits, cats and small dogs — inside at night.
If you’re outside when cougars are likely to be active, Otte suggested following these tips:
- Stay in well-lit areas or on established trails
- Be alert and go in a group when walking, hiking, biking or jogging
- Keep a close eye on small children and pets
- Create some noise to make sure any nearby mountain lions are aware of your presence
Community members should also secure any possible food sources, such as garbage cans, bird feeders and compost bins, to keep wild animals from finding food in local neighborhoods.
Residents should never feed wildlife because “they could be prey that attract predators to populated areas,” city said in its the release.
What to do if you encounter a cougar
Although mountain lions have been roaming San Luis Obispo County hills and valleys for hundreds of years, they tend to be shy animals that typically avoid humans.
“It’s understandable that the recent sightings may cause some concern,” Otte said. “But mountain lion attacks are extremely rare and even rarer in urban areas.”
If you do spot a cougar in your neighborhood or out on a trail, he said the most important thing is to remain calm.
Never turn your back on the big cat. Instead, keep eye contact with the creature and slowly back away.
While doing so, make noise and try to make yourself as big as possible to scare off the mountain lion, the city said.
How to report a mountain lion sighting
If you see a mountain lion and feel immediately threatened, you should call 911, the city said.
Following a cougar sighting, Otte said, you could report the date and location of the encounter to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
That way, the state agency can track and manage mountain lions’ population in the area, he said.
