A Fort Bragg resident chanced a glance out his dining room window yesterday morning, Friday, May 17, 2024, and watched an adult mountain lion stalking about his yard.
The property, located near the intersection of Fort Bragg’s Simpson Lane and Ellison Drive, is prime predator territory where deer roam and Hare Creek offers plentiful water.
The photo depicts the mountain looking out over a field where deer often graze, suggesting it may have been on the prowl.
Mountain lions are generally “solitary and elusive; often exist unseen and unheard”, as described by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Attacks on humans are rare with less than 50 verified mountain lion attacks on humans in California since 1890.
As Mendocino County residents know, the wildland-urban interface brings the wild to our doorsteps and this photo is a reminder of the creatures that share this place we call home.
If any member of the public has an incident with a mountain lion or other wildlife, report it to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife through their Wildlife Incident Reporting System.
Simpson lane not way, born and raised at the end of the road. SLC
Never run from a big cat, it will key its chase instinct with you as prey.
Stand up tall, flap your coat, act big, stomp feet and act dangerous.
Nearby stick pound it and swing it around, no need to toss it you may need it.
False charge steps OK but do not charge it, intimidation works most encounters.
If it attacks aim for nose with stick or fist.
If pounced on stick arm down its throat, you may have wounds but effective in getting cat to give up I have been told.
Cats are looking for easy prey, not a fight.
Look up on internet for effective defense strategies but running is not what to do.
Intimidation works best to make cat go away, they want easy prey, not a fight.
The combat instructions for predators were updated quite a few years ago.
Twist a finger, preferrably a thumb, into an eyeball.
Can be found on most local, state, and federal wildlife management websites and onsite warning boards nationwide.
There have been many “successes” (read as “survivals” where the animal released and retreated, if only for seconds) with mt lions, bears, sharks, gators, etc
0nly 50 attacks in ca since 1890?? I don’t buy it. I’m recalling at least 5 I can think of in the last few years
Remember cats are a ENDANGERED SPECIES not because of scientific studies but because of a well run eco freak voter campaign run on nonsense facts and false data during a vote that fooled the City folk. Cats did not attack for many years as people hunted them with dog packs which is now illegal. Now they have no fear of human populated areas.
And where’s the scienctific studies to support your absurd claims, F&B?
Oh, that’s right, you’ll never find it, cuz it doesn’t exist, just like the fairy land you want us to all live in.
That’s because the human population has grown. People are invading their habits as you well know. People are not educated on what a big cat can do. Most want to pet a grisly.
4 buck.
3 days ago, 5/20, large cat was seen on Park View Drive north of town
As a individual who had a recent encounter.
WHAT I CAN’T STRESS ENOUGH!! DO NOT, Act aggressively towards this powerful creature.
Think for a moment, how do would you feel if someone or something came at you with unprovoked aggression? In rare cases you are attacked, fight back, protect your neck and face.
Recall attack cases, and what occurred right before someone was attacked… What did they do? How did the animal perceive them?
Do however, make yourself appear larger, keep eye contact, try to remain calm, no sudden movements, don’t run (only prey run),Never turn your back to the animal.
They’re just large Felines and are curious about you. ????