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MISSION VIEJO, CALIFORNIA (7 Jul 2021) — The California Department of Fish and Wildlife and Mission Viejo Animal Services are searching for a juvenile mountain lion spotted Thursday in the area of Montanoso Drive and Serenata Drive in Mission Viejo, city officials said in a press release.
A biologist from the CDFA, working with the other agency, set up a perimeter and set a trap, but the animal was not immediately captured, so the agencies are also monitoring and setting traps today in the area of the Montanoso Recreation Center at 25800 Montanoso Drive. Once the cat is captured, it will be relocated to a licensed facility for evaluation.
Mountain lions hunt deer, which live in the surrounding area, as well as coyotes, raccoons, skunks, opossums, rodents, rabbits, etc. They do not typically prey on domestic animals unless an opportunity arises and are solitary, elusive and typically avoid humans as much as possible. These cats are helpful in maintaining order in our ecosystem and assist to keep other wildlife numbers in check, according to the MVAS website.
The CDFA began implementing a statewide mountain lion study in 2014 to determine the status, relative abundance, and population densities across California. Ongoing monitoring of localized trends, data collection and analysis is being conducted statewide to derive a baseline population estimate.
Mountain lions typically pose little threat to humans, and generally avoid any human interaction. A person is one thousand times more likely to be struck by lightning than attacked by a mountain lion. People who live in mountain lion habitat can take precautions to reduce their risk of encountering a mountain lion.
Living With Mountain Lions
- Deer-proof your property to avoid attracting a lion's main food source.
- Remove dense vegetation from around the home to reduce hiding spaces.
- Install outdoor lighting to make it difficult for mountain lions to approach unseen.
- Secure livestock and outdoor large pets in sturdy, covered shelters at night.
Always remember - Mountain lions are wild animals and their behavior may be unpredictable (like any wildlife).
Mountain Lion Encounters
- Do not hike, bike, or jog alone. Do not hike, bike, or jog at dawn, dusk, or at night.
- Stay alert on trails. Keep a close watch on small children and off leash pets.
- Never approach a mountain lion. Give them an escape route.
- DO NOT RUN. Stay calm. Do not turn your back. Face the animal, make noise and try to look bigger.
- Do not crouch down or bend over.
If you see a mountain lion, report the sighting immediately to Mission Viejo Animal Services at 949-470-3045 or the Orange County Sheriff’s Department at 949-770-6011. If you experience an aggressive encounter, call 911 immediately. Further questions should be directed to Mission Viejo Animal Services Center.
Photo credit: pxhere.com
