Hungry mountain lions roam

By Beth Winegarner
Examiner Staff Writer 10/6/08

More than a half-dozen mountain lions recently spotted in local parks and semi-wild areas are most likely looking for their next meal, wildlife officials say.

Residents have reported eight sightings of the big cats since late August, including two that were spied entering Edgewood Park on Aug. 21 and two more that were reportedly walking along a trail Sept. 30 on San Bruno Mountain, according to the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office.

Another was reported at Wunderlich Park on Friday, but none were reported during the weekend, said Sgt. Art Martinez of the Sheriff's Office.

Although there has been a rash of mountain lion sightings this fall, the felines are active year-round, typically hunting for prey, especially deer, said Troy Swauger, spokesman for the state Department of Fish and Game.

“The prime hunting areas for mountain lions go to the biggest, most dominant animals, so the others are pushed out into the ‘fringe’ areas” where humans often live or recreate, Swauger said.

Mountain lions prefer to feast on deer but will eat raccoons, possums, household pets and livestock, and will even attack humans when desperate, according to Fish and Game.

“If someone sees one, report it immediately,” Martinez said. “Don't approach the animal. Go indoors or stay in your car.”

Sheriff's officials will hold two meetings this month to discuss the rash of sightings. The first takes place Tuesday at Portola Valley Town Hall, 765 Portola Road. The second is scheduled for Oct. 21 at Independence Hall, 2955 Woodside Road, Woodside.

bwinegarner@sfexaminer.com

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