Mistaken identity may play a role in some attacks which is why you should never crouch when you're alone and never allow children to get away from you. The kills are sometimes very few and far between so their recent kill might been the first time they've eaten in a while. Keep in mind, mountain lions can't just go to the store and get food like we can. If you approach an area where a mountain lion recently killed a deer or some other animal, the lion will defend that kill from other potential threats including approaching humans. This type of attack would typically show the adult female mountain lion trying to scare the intruder away so you might see growls and stomping trying to fend of the human. Just like how humans defend our own babies, mountain lions will defend their kittens from possible threats like humans approaching them. When a human gets attacked even when it's our fault, the outcome is almost always bad for the mountain lion. Keep in mind, you are entering their habitat so it is up to you to educate yourself and be aware that they are around. ![]() The last several attacks by mountain lions in Orange County could have all been prevented if the people were more knowledgeable about these animals. Attacks on humans are very rare and typically involve incorrect behavior by humans. Mountain lions absolutely do not seek out humans as food, it is not something that's ever been documented. Mountain lions are active mostly at night but they are not strictly nocturnal so they can be moving around during the day as well. ![]() Typically these cats are very reclusive and hide from humans but there could be several factors in which an encounter with a mountain lion would happen. National Geographic recently published an article about why people mistake bobcats for mountain lions so often.įor more information about the mountain lions of Southern California, visit CA Mountain Lions which has been created by biologists from UC Davis We do get photos/videos sent to us claiming to have witnessed a mountain lion but it is almost always a bobcat or sometimes even a house cat. There has only been 1 confirmed mountain lion sighting on the coastal side of I5 since around the 1970's or 80's, that info can be confirmed with any local park ranger. Some research is being conducted by biologists from UC Davis which studies their population, movements, and more. These mountain lions face an uncertain future as they lack the DNA diversity since they are land locked and cannot interact with other mountain lions besides the ones already here. Bobcats can be found in many open areas even in between urban areas while mountain lions are primarily only in the wilderness areas connected to the Santa Ana Mountains. Mountain lions have long tails that reach the ground compared to bobcats which have stubby tails. ![]() They are often confused with bobcats which are our second largest native cat. These big cats play an extremely vital role in the ecosystem by keeping deer populations in check which keeps a balanced ecosystem for all animals. Although mountain lions do give birth to several kittens each spring, their population is not increasing due to vehicle collisions, rodenticides, and loss of habitat. Population estimates are thought to be around 20 individuals which is considered caring capacity based on the amount of land and prey available to them. Mountain Lions can be found in Orange County throughout the Santa Ana Mountain Range down to the foothills and canyons directly connected to them.
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