Witnesses saw a lion they described as “about the size of a German shepherd” in the area of the Teague Mansion that, like others reported, appeared to be a juvenile. The public has been prompt in reporting sightings, “which is good, we need that,” but people also must know how to react if they are outdoors and spot a mountain lion.“Don’t run” and provoke the cat into a chase; “just stand there and try to make yourself as big as possible” by holding a jacket or sweater up and away from the body or just raising your arms away from the body. “And be as noisy as possible, yell and scream... but don’t ever approach them.” And, Reynolds added, call 9-1-1 “as fast as you can” to report the sighting, as well as what direction the lion was headed.“Common sense dictates that people be aware of their surroundings, keep animals inside,” as the “favorite food” of mountain lions at this time, according to Fish and Game, is rabbit. Children should not be outside unsupervised, “Just keep an eye on them and be aware of what is going on around you at all times,” although Reynolds said “We’re not really too worried about humans, but they are wild animals and extremely unpredictable.”The REVERSE 911® system has been activated several times notifying residents of areas where the lions were spotted, but Reynolds said in the future such warnings will be given “if we see a problem serious enough. If we do it every time a mountain lion is spotted, it will get to the point that people don’t care” and dismiss such warnings as the boy - or in this case reverse system - that cried mountain lion.
SPPD: Number of mountain lion sightings increase throughout city
March 20, 2009
Santa Paula Police Department
The rising number of mountain lion sightings in residential areas is just the beginning of what can be expected during warmer weather, according to a Santa Paula Police Department spokesman.
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesThe rising number of mountain lion sightings in residential areas is just the beginning of what can be expected during warmer weather, according to a Santa Paula Police Department spokesman. The latest report occurred just after midnight Thursday, according to Chief Steve MacKinnon, when officers responded to the 800 block of Ojai Road.Officers were told a mountain lion had run through the driveway of a residence and into the back lot of a house. The animal was described by the witness as being about the size of a bull mastiff. Officers conducted a search of the area and found no evidence of a mountain lion.With the animals also being spotted in various locations throughout the city - including McKevett Heights, the Oaks, Cherry Hill Drive and the Dana/View Drive areas - Lieutenant Troyce Reynolds said, “This is just the beginning. We’re going to have this all summer long... I see it coming,” based on the frequency of sightings in only one month.“I really don’t know why the animals are doing it, but they don’t seem to be going away,” in what state Fish and Game officials believe is the search for food. “The mountain lions are getting more and more used to people” as they go deeper into residential neighborhoods, and Fish and Game personnel, Reynolds noted, won’t be able to respond every day.
