mountain lion sighted

Apr 22nd 2014

Earlier this year there was a report in Cat 7 that there was a mountain lion sighting and a few were skeptical. Just this past week there was another report in Oracle Hills which is just west of Cat 7 and here is that report.........

Oracle Hills.....

This week there was a credible sighting by a retired AZ Game & Fish manager of mountain lion in Oracle Foothills, crossing Agave near the wash in the 5400 block.

Recommendations from Arizona Game and Fish regarding mountain lion encounters:

Mountain lions are predators capable of seriously injuring or killing humans. The Arizona Game and Fish Department is committed to helping people learn how to behave responsibly and live safely in proximity to mountain lions, and to removing animals that are a potential threat to the public.

The risk of attack by a mountain lion is small, but real; children are most at risk. Mountain lions may return repeatedly if food, water, or shelter is available. However, mountain lions use natural areas, such as washes, to move through populated areas to more remote areas, and such movements are necessary to prevent problems with inbreeding and local extinction associated with habitat fragmentation. If food, water, and shelter are not available, mountain lions generally move on to other areas more quickly. If you live or recreate in lion country, remain aware of your surroundings and take steps to minimize risks to yourself, your family, and pets.

If you encounter a mountain lion:

• Do not approach the animal. Most mountain lions will try to avoid a confrontation. Give them a way to escape.
• Stay calm and speak loudly and firmly.
• Do not run from a mountain lion. Running may stimulate a mountain lion’s instinct to chase.
• Stand and face the animal. Make eye contact.
• Appear larger by raising your arms or opening your jacket if you are wearing one. Throw stones, branches, or whatever you can reach without crouching or turning your back. Wave your arms slowly. The idea is to convince the lion that you are not easy prey and that you may be a danger to it.
• Maintain eye contact and slowly back away toward a building, vehicle, or busy area.
• Protect small children so they won’t panic and run.
• Fight back if attacked. Many potential victims have fought back successfully with rocks, sticks, caps, jackets, garden tools, their bare hands, and even mountain bikes. Since a mountain lion usually tries to bite the head or neck, try to remain standing and face the animal.

Report all mountain lion attacks to 911. All mountain lion encounters and attacks, sightings in urban areas, property damage due to mountain lions or possession of a live mountain lion should also be reported to your local Arizona Game and Fish Department office (8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday - Friday excluding holidays). After hours and weekends, a radio dispatcher is available at (623) 236-7201

For more information, visit http://www.azgfd.gov/w_c/urban_lion.shtml