Do mountain lions kill kids?

SAN FRANCISCO — A mountain lion that attacked a 5-year-old boy and dragged the child across his front lawn in Southern California was shot and killed by a wildlife officer, authorities said Saturday.

What to do if a mountain lion tries to attack you?

Maintain eye contact. Never run past or away from a mountain lion. Don’t bend over or crouch down. Aggressively wave your arms, throw stones or branches, do not turn away.

Can a mountain lion kill you?

Are Mountain Lions Dangerous? Human encounters with mountain lions are rare and the risk of an attack is infinitely small. You are more likely to drown in your bathtub, be killed by a pet dog, or hit by lightning. If lions had any natural urge to hunt people, there would be attacks every single day.

Do you stand your ground against a mountain lion?

Most state and federal wildlife agencies advise against running. The California Department of Fish and Game says on its Web site, in part: “Do not run from a lion. Running may stimulate a mountain lion’s instinct to chase. Instead, stand and face the animal.”

How do you scare a mountain lion?

Do all you can to appear intimidating. Bang your hiking sticks together or clap your hands while yelling. If looking bigger doesn’t scare the mountain lion off, start throwing stones or branches in its direction–without crouching or turning your back.

Are cougars afraid of humans?

Gulp. Here’s what we do know: cougars very rarely attack people. In fact, cougars very rarely interact with people. We do know this: cougars are more likely to go after loners than hikers in groups, and they’re more prone to attack kids under 16 than adults.

What to do if a mountain lion is near?

If you see a mountain lion:

1. Stay calm. Hold your ground or back away slowly.
2. Do not approach a lion. Never approach a mountain lion, especially one that is feeding or with kittens.
3. Do not run from a lion. Running may stimulate a mountain lion’s instinct to chase.
4. Do not crouch down or bend over.

Are mountain lions afraid of humans?

As it goes with most wild animals, mountain lions are more afraid of you than you are of them. In fact, studies have shown that the human voice is enough to send the big cats fleeing—even if they’re in the middle of dinner. If you find yourself staring at a puma anyway, don’t turn and run.

Where was the child attacked by a mountain lion?

Authorities feel confident they killed the right cat because it was in a tree along with the backpack the boy’s father threw at it. The child was attacked at Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park, suffering injuries consistent with an attack from a mountain lion, said Capt. Patrick Foy of the California Fish and Wildlife Law Enforcement Division.

Why did the Deputy kill the mountain lion?

Shortly after, a sheriff’s deputy killed a mountain lion in the vicinity. The child suffered neck injuries and abrasions, but his injuries are not thought to be life-threatening. Authorities feel confident they killed the right cat because it was in a tree along with the backpack the boy’s father threw at it.

Where was the mountain lion attack in Orange County?

A mountain lion attacked a 3-year-old boy Monday afternoon at a wilderness park in Lake Forest in Orange County. Shortly after, a sheriff’s deputy killed a mountain lion in the vicinity.

When was the mountain lion attack in Whiting Ranch?

The park will remain closed until further notice. Attacks by mountain lions are infrequent, but can be deadly. Handout photo of Mark Jeffrey Reynolds, who died after being attacked by a mountain lion in Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park in January 2003.