The San Mateo County Office of Emergency Services (OES) reported that a mountain lion was seen in the area of the 800 block of Westridge Drive in Portola Valley. The animal was spotted late in the evening on November 17, and again during the morning on November 18, 2015. Please use caution in the area.
Here are some important safety tips for you to remember regarding mountain lions:
While it would be rare for a mountain lion to approach humans, you can follow a few simple rules to keep you and your family safe:
• Do not feed deer. It is illegal in California and it will attract mountain lions.
• If you see a mountain lion DO NOT APPROACH IT, especially one that is feeding or with offspring. Most mountain lions will try to avoid confrontation.
• Avoid hiking or jogging through wooded areas when mountain lions are most active—dawn, dusk, or at night.
• Keep a close watch on small children when hiking or traveling in or about wooded areas.
• 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.
• Keep all pets and pet food INDOORS at night. Even the largest domesticated dogs and cats can be prey to a mountain lion.
• For more information about mountain lions click here www.keepmewild.org