Safety

WHAT TO DO IF YOU SEE A MOUNTAIN LION
On the trail - Use caution when hiking at all times and in all areas. Stay with your group. If a mountain lion hears you coming it will move away. Make noise on the trail so you don’t sneak up and surprise him or her. Do not run alone.

If you see one - Keep in mind that the mountain lions don’t want to see you just as much as you don’t want to see them. Sightings are rare. Species experts and rangers who study mountain lion behavior have often never seen one on the trail without using sophisticated baiting and tracking strategies. Thus, if you are one of the rare few to come in contact with a mountain lion heed the following: If you see a mountain lion on the trail be aware that they have a very strong “chase” instinct, therefore stand your ground and DON’T RUN or you may become prey. Make noise, yell or shout to let the lion know you are NOT A DEER. Additionally, the smell and sight of dogs can also be a deterrent for mountain lions, but dogs must be on a leash. If a dog is running off-leash the lion’s chase instinct will take over. Lastly, if you see a baby mountain lion, move away slowly and immediately. Don’t stop to take pictures (durrr)! Mama is nearby and won’t take kindly to you messing with her baby.

6 key words to remember:
Group – Don’t run alone
Noise – Make noise to let lions know you are there
Stand your ground – Don’t run!
Shout – Let um know you are NOT A DEER
No photos!

MR MOUNTAIN LION
From the mountain lion’s perspective: I don’t want to see you - you are scary! I don’t consider you food – I’m not stalking you. There are only about 18 of us mountain lions left in our Southern CA area and I have every right to be here, this is my home. Yes, I am protective of my young, just like you. My chase instinct is very strong and anything that runs looks like food - DON’T RUN!

INHERANT RISK
Please remember you are running in their living room, if you wish to avoid risk, stay at home and watch TV. There are inherent hazards associated with spending time on the trail including: rough terrain, weather, bees, snakes, mountain lions, and the occasional trail weirdo. Keep things in perspective and use your head.