Residents have reported mountain lion sightings in residential hillside neighborhoods in Ventura.
This alert is for information only and has been issued as a precaution to our community. Mountain lion attacks are very rare but the Ventura Police Department would like to remind residents of a few simple tips to protect you and your loved ones from mountain lions:
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 in hillside areas when mountain lions are most active—dawn, dusk, or at night.
Keep a close watch on small children when hiking.
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.
Bring in small pets during the evening and early morning hours.
Ventura’s hills are a natural mountain lion habitat. Their primary prey is deer, but they have also been known to attack livestock and pets, and on very rare occasions, humans. Mountain lions are generally solitary, elusive and avoid human contact. The recent fires may have brought more wildlife to our area.
The Department of Fish & Game has been notified of this activity.
