Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Mountain Lion Seen

On July 5, 2011 at about 2:00pm, a resident in the area of  16100 blk of Via Del Alba,  saw what he described as a Mountain Lion cross his driveway.  The animal was walking.  It was not aggressive.  The sighting was reported to Fish and Game.  If you see a Mountain Lion you should not approach the animal.   If you should see a mountain lion, you are encouraged to call Fish and Game at 858-467-4257.  If the animal is a threat, call 911.

Although historically sightings are rare, there are several types of wild animals that live here in Rancho Santa Fe.  Mountain Lions main food source is deer and coyotes.  Eliminating plant species that attract deer help discourage mountain lions from coming into the area. 
Please take precautions – mountain lions are most active at night as well as dusk and dawn.  Do not leave children outside unattended; don’t leave pet food or food that may attract animals outside.  Do not leave animals outside unattended.  Horses should be kept in stalls in the barn.  Be careful when walking/ jogging at dusk and dawn time periods.   If you see a mountain lion- make noise-lots of it.  Yell, scream, and bang on something.  For example, pocket sized air horns are a good way to do that.
If you have any questions please call the Dept of Fish and Game at 858-467-4201  or the RSF Patrol 858-756-4372.
For more information:  www.keepmewild.org