| Warning-Mountain Lion Sighting |
UPDATE from The San Elijo Hills Community Association (HOA) The HOA received an email from the Principal at San Elijo Elementary School that parents have reported seeing a Mountain Lion along the trail near the back gate. Please be aware of this situation if you have students who walk to and from school. This area is also a popular trail for hiking and biking, so please keep an eye out. The following is from the Mountain Lion Foundation on what to do if you have a close encounter with a mountain lion: Seem as large as possible: Make yourself appear larger by picking up children, leashing pets in, and standing close to other people. Open your jacket. Raise your arms. Wave your raised arms slowly. Make noise: Yell, shout, bang your walking stick or water bottle. Make any loud sound that cannot be confused by the lion as the sound of prey. Speak slowly and loudly to disrupt and discourage the lion’s hunting instincts. Act defiant, not afraid: Maintain eye contact. Never run past or away from a mountain lion. Don’t bend over or crouch down. Aggressively wave your arms, throw stones or branches, do not turn away. Slowly create distance: Assess the situation. Consider whether you may be between the lion and its kittens, prey or cache. Back away slowly to give the mountain lion a path to retreat, never turning your back. Give the lion the time and ability to get away. Protect yourself: If attacked, fight back. Protect your neck and throat. People have used rocks, jackets, garden tools, tree branches, walking sticks, fanny packs and even bare hands to turn away mountain lions. _______ **Since 2006 SanElijoLife.com provides community news, photos, videos, and a directory of resources for residents of San Elijo Hills. The site is independent of the developer and the HOA and is run by local homeowners. |
