This year, mountain lions have been in the news, with one getting struck and killed near a future wildlife crossing in Agoura Hills that is expected to be completed in two years.
The Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing is a bridge across Highway 101. It will be the largest wildlife crossing of its type in the nation, according to the California Department of Transportation, or Caltrans. Completion of the entire project is expected around 2025 or 2026, according to the state.
The wildlife crossing is expected to create a safe passage across Highway 101 to reduce collisions between wildlife and vehicles, according to Caltrans. The crossing, which will help the safe movement of all animals, links the Santa Monica Mountains and the Sierra Madre Range.
Crews have started work on one of two walls that will form the base of a wildlife crossing over the 101 freeway in Agoura Hills.
What are mountain lions?
Mountain lions are a large cat species with a tan, beige color and white belly and chest. Males can range from 115 to 220 pounds and females from 64 to 141 pounds, according to the National Wildlife Federation.
Also known as a cougar, panther, puma, or catamount, the species is native to the Americas.
What do mountain lions eat?
Mountain lions eat a variety of prey, including rabbits, squirrels, coyotes, and raccoons, but most of their diet consists of larger animals, such as deer, according to Los Angeles Animal Services.
An undated photo of a mountain lion in California.
Where are mountain lions found in California?
Mountain lions inhabit diverse habitat types across California, including temperate redwood forests, coniferous/deciduous forests, coastal chaparral, foothills, and mountains, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. They can be found wherever prey such as mule deer, elk, bighorn sheep, or feral hogs are present.
Mountain lions usually hunt alone at night. They ambush their prey from behind and kill with a powerful bite at the base of the skull.
Today’s California mountain lion population estimate ranges from 4,000-6,000.
What should you do if you see a mountain lion?
The National Park Service recommends four tips to stay safe around mountain lions, who are described as calm, quiet and elusive:
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Stay calm and hold your ground or back away slowly while facing the lion
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Do not approach and give the mountain lion an escape
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Do not run away, which could encourage the mountain lion to give chase and instead, stand and face the lion while making eye contact
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Avoid squatting, crouching, or bending over so the mountain lion doesn’t think you’re four-legged prey.
If the mountain lion begins to approach you or behaves aggressively, you will need to act intimidatingly by raising your arms to look bigger, waving your arms, and speaking firmly in a loud voice, according to the National Park Service. If this doesn’t work, throw stones, branches, or whatever you can reach without crouching in the mountain lion’s direction.
What should you do if the mountain lion remains aggressive?
If the mountain lion remains aggressive, the National Park Service shares these tips:
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Start throwing things at the mountain lion but aim for the body and not the head because if the cat is blinded, the injury could make it more dangerous to other hikers
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If the mountain lion attacks, fight back with rocks, sticks, caps, jackets, garden tool,s and even your bare hands
The park service advises calling or contacting a park ranger immediately to report mountain lion encounters or attacks.
How to protect pets from mountain lions
If you live in an area with mountain lions, remember roaming pets are easy prey, according to the CDWF. Bring pets inside or keep them in a kennel with a secure top. Don’t feed pets outside, which can attract other mountain lion prey.
Here are some ways to protect pets from mountain lions from the CDWF:
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Use noise deterrents: Make noise when going outside at dusk and dawn, when mountain lions are most active. You can also carry a self-defense alarm keychain.
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Install outdoor lighting: Make it harder for predators to sneak up on you.
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Remove hiding places: Remove dense vegetation around your home.
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Use lighted collars: Lighted collars can deter mountain lions.
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Use protective collars: Protective collars can reduce the impact of a predator bite.
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Use predator-proof fencing: For livestock and other outdoor animals, use predator-proof fencing.
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Deer-proof your property: Avoid attracting a lion’s main food source by deer-proofing your property.
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Consider a large dog breed: Large dog breeds like Akbash, Kangal, Great Pyrenees, and Komondor can deter mountain lions.
Wes Woods II covers West County for the Ventura County Star. Reach him at wesley.woodsii@vcstar.com, 805-437-0262 or @JournoWes.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: How to spot mountain lions, stay safe in California