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Administrative Messages


October 4, 1999

To: Campus Community
From: University Police

Re: Mountain Lion alert

A student recently encountered a mountain lion late at night near the Oakes College foot bridge. Fortunately, the student had read the mountain lion warning signs posted around campus, and knew what to do to protect himself. He was able to diffuse the confrontation by making himself look bigger and remaining calm.

The UCSC campus's large deer population attracts mountain lions. Usually, they will avoid humans, but if startled they may react defensively. In order to maintain a safe environment on campus for both humans and animals, we ask everyone to familiarize themselves with the following information. Most importantly, remember to be prepared and stay alert.

  • There is safety in numbers. If possible, avoid hiking, jogging, or walking alone, especially at night. Make plenty of noise to reduce your chances of surprising a lion. A sturdy walking stick is a good idea: you can use it to ward off a lion if necessary.

  • Stay calm when you encounter a lion. Talk calmly yet firmly to it.

  • Do not run from a lion. Running may stimulate a mountain lion's instinct to chase. Instead, stand and face the animal. Make eye contact. Back away from it slowly and carefully.

  • Do not crouch or bend over. A person crouching or bending over may resemble a four-legged prey animal.

  • Do all you can to appear larger. Raise your arms. Open your jacket if you're wearing one. If you have small children with you, pick them up (without bending or crouching if possible!) so they won't panic and run. Throw stones, branches, or whatever you can reach without bending over or turning away from the lion.

  • Do not approach a lion, especially one that is feeding or with kittens. Most mountain lions will try to avoid confrontation. Give them a way to escape.

  • Fight back if attacked. Always remain standing or try to get back up! Lions have been driven off by prey that fights back. Hikers have successfully fought back lions with sticks, caps, jackets, and their bare hands.

REPORT ANY MOUNTAIN LION SIGHTINGS ON OR NEAR THE UCSC CAMPUS, AS WELL AS ANY ANIMAL CARCASS THAT COULD BE ATTRIBUTED TO A LION KILL, TO CAMPUS ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER JEN HOLZ AT (831) 459-2231 OR jholz@cats.ucsc.edu. FOR EMERGENCIES CALL THE CAMPUS POLICE AT (831) 459-2231.



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