Mountain Lion roaming streets & yards in Santa Paula
Be aware: Mountain lion sightings lead to search by SPPD, Fish & Game Wardens
By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula News
Published: June 12, 2009
By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula Times
Santa Paula Police have reported recent mountain lion sightings near Glen City School and in the immediate area, where a cougar described as the size of a small German shepherd has been seen several times. There have been several reports of a lion in the area - including one stating the cat was observed near Taco Bell - since the first occurred about two and a half weeks ago at 8 a.m. in the 200 block of West Main Street.
SPPD Lieutenant Carlos Juarez said the REVERSE 911® notification system was activated to contact neighbors and Glen City Elementary School. There was another sighting about 1 a.m. Monday, June 8 in the Moultrie Place area near the school and, as with the previous sighting, school officials were notified.
The reported infrequent sightings of the mountain lion have shown a roaming pattern: on Friday, June 5, SPPD officers, along with three California Department of Fish and Game wardens, “checked the area near Glen City School and discovered a possible area that could easily lend itself to conceal or offer shelter to wildlife, including mountain lions.” But, Juarez added, “During this canvass of the adjoining yards near Glen City School no mountain lion was observed, nor any confirmed indication that it had made the area a permanent or temporary home.”
Fish and Game wardens asked officers to keep them informed of any movements or sightings of a mountain lion; and “Should a mountain lion be located that poses a threat to the public, they will respond and attempt to return the mountain lion to the wild.”
The June 8 sighting occurred at about 1 a.m. “Residents on Moultrie Place however did not report it to police until daylight,” and Juarez said Glen City School “was again notified and school officials are working on procedures for ensuring safety to students.”
Chief Steve MacKinnon said the lion has also been reported in the Dean Drive and Main Street area “walking along the railroad tracks.... We do believe the lion has located himself in the is area and we did search it quite extensively on Friday,” June 5, “not particularly for the cat itself but any areas that would be conducive to it taking up residence.”
The mountain lion might have accessed the area from the wild via the Fagan Barranca. “It would have come down all the way in the barranca and not interacted with people at all, a good possibility, and it either can’t find its way out or is just finding possums or raccoons and is satisfied to stay in the area.”
The mountain lion, MacKinnon noted, is probably a loner: “All the descriptions we’ve had the last two weeks agree on the general size and coloring, and, based on the training we’ve received” from the Mountain Lion Foundation” that they’re fairly independent creatures, it would be rare for more to be in the area. It would be unusual that we would be seeing multiple lions” in another’s highly guarded territory.
Photos of the mountain lion have been given to Fish and Game. “It’s difficult to gauge the size and age,” as the photographs have nothing in the background that can be used for comparison, but MacKinnon said the size is probably in the 50 to 60 pound range “based on the comments of those that have seen it.”
It remains important that people contact the SPPD as soon as they spot a lion: “Based on the reality of the report and the type of report will determine how Fish and Game responds. We have heard reports after the fact, but any information we can get at the time of the sighting,” including direction of travel and what the cat was doing when observed, “will be important to us.”
The search for the cat included various backyards in the 200 block of Santa Barbara Street, and residents are urged to eliminate any brush or foliage that can be used as a hiding place. Santa Paula police also remind residents if they see a mountain lion to remain inside their residence or vehicle, to immediately dial 911, and never to approach or attempt to capture a mountain lion under any circumstances.
Other tips residents can do to minimize encounters with wildlife, including mountain lions, are: Always be aware of your surroundings, wherever you are. When landscaping, consider removing heavy vegetation that can provide cover for wildlife. Don’t leave pet food outside, as it may attract wildlife. Keep family pets secure; pets are easy prey for mountain lions. Supervise children, especially outdoors between dawn and dusk. Never run past or away from a mountain lion; this may trigger their natural instinct to chase. Never bend or crouch down; doing so causes humans to resemble four-legged prey animals.
If you encounter a mountain lion, make yourself appear larger, more aggressive. Open your jacket, raise your arms and throw stones, branches, etc., without turning away. Wave raised arms slowly and speak slowly, firmly, loudly to disrupt and discourage predatory behavior.
