Coexisting with Mountain Lions in San Diego County
Mountain lions (Puma concolor), also known as puma, cougar or panther, are native to California and the second largest wild cat in North America. According to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), mountain lions inhabit diverse habitat types throughout the state, including forests and foothills, coastal, rural, and wildlife-urban interfaces. They are reclusive and solitary animals, mostly avoiding people when possible.
Mountain lions provide many ecosystem benefits by helping to maintain healthy prey populations. They will hunt deer and elk, invasive species such as wild pigs and feral horses, and smaller animals such as coyotes, raccoons, and rodents. Potential conflict with mountain lions may occur due to property damage and loss of livestock or pets while hunting. Feeding other wildlife, such as deer, may attract mountain lions. According to CDFW, mountain lions typically pose little threat to humans, and generally avoid any human interaction. A person is one thousand times more likely to be struck by lightning than attacked by a mountain lion. People who live in mountain lion habitat can take precautions to reduce their risk of encountering a mountain lion.Outdoor Safety Tips
- Do NOT hike, bike, or jog at dawn, dusk, or at night. Avoid hiking, biking, or jogging alone.
- Deer-proof your property to avoid attracting a lion's main food source.
- Remove dense vegetation from around the home to reduce hiding spaces.
- Install outdoor lighting to make it difficult for mountain lions to approach unseen.
- Secure livestock and outdoor large pets in sturdy, covered shelters at night.
If You Encounter a Mountain Lion
- Stay alert on trails. Keep pets leashed and walk with small children, don't let them run ahead.
- Never approach a mountain lion. Give them an escape route.
- DO NOT RUN. Stay calm. Do not turn your back.
- Face the animal, make loud noise and try to look bigger. If with small children, put them on your shoulders.
- Do not crouch down or bend over.
Report a Mountain Lion Sighting
If you spot a mountain lion in populated areas, or if a mountain lion has killed livestock or damaged property, report it to CDFW through their Wildlife Incident Reporting system known as WIR. The system assigns a designated “investigator” based on the geographic location. You can also report sightings, depredation events or welfare concerns through CDFW’s volunteer hotline by calling 562-596-3885.
Additional Mountain Lion Safety Resources
Preventing Conflicts with Mountain Lions in California
Wildlife Deterrents South Coast Region
Building a Pen to Protect Small Livestock from Mountain Lions
Published: April 26, 2024
