Crime & Safety
Mountain Lion Attacks on Deer Near Homes Not Rare, State Experts Say
In the wake of a mountain lion attack on a deer in El Cerrito, state Fish and Game officials said that while mountain lion attacks on humans are extremely rare, it's a good idea to discourage deer from hanging out in your neighborhood.
The on a deer in El Cerrito — which raised alarm becauuse it happened in a residential neighborhood — reflects typical mountain lion behavior and does not indicate a special threat to humans, according to a California Department of Fish and Game spokesman.
Where there are deer, there are mountain lions, and when deer go into a residential area, mountain lions will track them there, said Kyle Orr, public information officer with Fish and Game.
“It’s not rare to have a mountain lion take a deer in a residential neighborhood,” he said. “It’s still a mountain lion being a mountain lion.”
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What is rare are mountain lion attacks on humans. Orr said there have been only 14 verified attacks by mountain lions on humans in California since 1890.
The best way to keep mountain lions from becoming a danger is to keep their favorite prey away.
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““You don’t want deer to be comfortable in your yard,” he said.
Sightings of mountain lions can be reported to California Department of Fish and Game by calling 707-944-5531. If a person is in immediate danger from a mountain lion, call 911. A press release from El Cerrito police also offered these numbers in case of a sighting: police emergency at (510) 237-3233 and Contra Costa County Animal Control at (925) 646-2441.
According to the Department of Fish and Game “Keep Me Wild” Web page about mountain lions, “More than half of California is mountain lion habitat. Mountain lions generally exist wherever deer are found. They are solitary and elusive, and their nature is to avoid humans.”
It says mountain lions prefer deer but, if allowed, will also eat pets and livestock.
“Mountain lions that threaten people are immediately killed,” the site says. “Moving problem mountain lions is not an option. It causes deadly conflicts with other mountain lions already there. Or the relocated mountain lion returns. “
The site says mountain lions are a Specially Protected Mammal in California and cannot be hunted.
The site offers the following advice to “prevent deadly conflicts with these beautiful wild animals.”
- Don’t feed deer; it is illegal in California and it will attract mountain lions.
- Deer-proof your landscaping by avoiding plants that deer like to eat.
- Trim brush to reduce hiding places for mountain lions.
- Don’t leave small children or pets outside unattended.
- Install motion-sensitive lighting around the house.
- Provide sturdy, covered shelters for sheep, goats, and other vulnerable animals.
- Don’t allow pets outside when mountain lions are most active — dawn, dusk, and at night.
- Bring pet food inside to avoid attracting raccoons, opossums and other potential mountain lion prey.
More information from the Department of Fish and Game on discouraging deer is available here.
The mountain lion page offers additional advice on staying safe:
- Do not hike, bike, or jog alone.
- Avoid hiking or jogging when mountain lions are most active — dawn, dusk, and at night.
- Keep a close watch on small children.
- Do not approach a mountain lion.
- If you encounter a mountain lion, do not run; instead, face the animal, make noise and try to look bigger by waving your arms; throw rocks or other objects; pick up small children.
- If attacked, fight back.
- If a mountain lion attacks a person, immediately call 911.
The department also has a YouTube video about mountain lions.
El Cerrito police issued a warning to residents to be on the lookout for mountain lions after finding an injured deer at the north end of town early Friday. Police responded to the 5800 block of Charles Street on Friday shortly after midnight after a neighbor reported hearing the sound of a moaning animal, according to Corporal Gilbert Tang.
Responding officers contacted Contra Costa County Animal Services. The amount of blood at the scene suggested that the attack happened on Charles Street, Animal Services Lt. Cedric Williams-Cain told Patch. He said the large bite and deep claw marks were consistent with a mountain lion, and that the span of the claw marks suggested it was a young one.
Animals Services determined that the deer would not survive its injuries, and it was killed by police.
