Facts
- Also called cougar, puma, panther and catamount
- 7-8 feet in length
- 150-300 lbs.
- Can see about 6 times better than a human
- Carnivorous, solitary hunters; they spend most of their life alone
- Their main prey in Southern California are mule deer
- Natural habitat is steep, rocky, canyon country
- Vocalizations include growls, hisses, screams and roars
- Individuals develop a preference for one type of prey which limits competition amongst each other
People and Mountain Lions
- Mountain lions are a protected species throughout the United States
- Mountain lion sightings in the Santa Monica Mountains are very rare due to diminishing numbers in California. Most people have actually seen a bobcat, deer, domestic cat, or coyote when they think they've sighted a mountain lion, however, if you're sure you've seen a mountain lion, report it immediately to the Department of Fish & Game at (916) 445-0045
- These cats have greatly diminished in number because they have lost habitats large enough to support them, and because they have been bounty hunted (for sport, for their pelts, or to protect livestock)
- Mountain lions have proven relatively unable to adapt to habitat loss and competition with humans (their chief enemy) for large ungulate prey (deer). They hardly ever harm humans, although they will attack in self-defense or to protect their cubs
- Mountain Lions are territorial and will defend their established ranges, particularly at courtship time
- For tips on what to do if you encounter a mountain lion while hiking, and other information about pumas, go to the Mountain Lion Foundation's website at: www.mountainlion.org
How to Coexist
- Don't feed wildlife or leave pet food outside. Both may attract mountain lions by attracting their prey.
- Keep pets secure. Roaming pets are easy prey.
- Don't approach mountain lions; they want to avoid humans. Give them time and space to leave.
- Never run past or from a mountain lion; this may trigger their instinct to chase. Make eye contact. Stand your ground. Pick up small children without turning away or bending over.
- Always hike, backpack and camp in wild areas with a companion.
