April 17, 2008

Mountain lion spotted in New Almaden

By Jeanne C. Carbone
Staff Writer

Last week, a mountain lion was seen near the New Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum.

“My neighbors said they saw the mountain lion on my driveway,” said Rick Carpenedo, who has lived there for four years and owns a home backing up to the Quicksilver Park. We saw deer hoof prints so perhaps the lion was chasing them. I’ve never seen one, but I know deer, coyotes, raccoons and some rattlesnakes are here so we have to be mindful.”

“Isn’t she beautiful,” said New Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum Park Interpreter Terri Sanislo displaying a photo of a mountain lion taken in the park in 2005. Photo by Jeanne C. Carbone

Mountain lions, also called cougars, panthers or pumas, can live in deserts and humid coast-range forests from sea level to 10,000-foot elevations. But they are most abundant in areas with deer that also offer adequate hiding places. The cat is unspotted, tawny-colored above and buff below with a small head and petite rounded black-tipped ears and tail.

Adult males may be more than 8 feet long from nose to tail and weigh between 130 to 150 pounds. Adult females can be 7 feet long and weigh between 65 and 90 pounds. They are solitary, territorial hunters who may be active during the day. They are normally elusive and people rarely get more than a brief glimpse of the cats in the wild.

Some people believe mountain lions are pests to be rid of, which has caused them to become scarce across North America. But these animals do play an essential role in our ecosystem. Without them, populations of deer and other animals would become too large for the habitat, causing an imbalance in nature.

Most people who have lived in the area have never seen these large cats. Kitty Monahan has been in the New Almaden area since the 1970s and has never seen a mountain lion. New Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum Park Interpreter Terri Sanislo hasn’t seen any either, although she says there have been eight reported sightings since she has worked there. A mountain lion was photographed by Ed Columbo on the park’s Buena Vista Trail in September 2005.

“She [is said to be] very beautiful,” said Sanislo who believes there are one to three mountain lions in the park at any given time. “I’m honored to work where they are because they’re lions. You can go on safari in California. How cool is that?”

But as Carpenedo said, it’s a good idea to be mindful that the mountain lions are there. “I tell the school kids who come to the museum if you don’t look like the food, act like food, smell like the food or hang out by the food, you won’t be the food,” added Sanislo.

Some rules if encountering mountain lions
There are ways to reduce the chances of encountering mountain lions, according to wildlife experts. Most important is to never hike alone, especially between dusk and dawn. Like most cats, mountain lions typically do most of their hunting at night so that’s a good time to stay away.

Like most wild animals, mountain lions are shy and will stay away from humans. It’s a good idea to talk loudly or make a lot of noise to reduce the chance of surprising a sleepy mountain lion. Make sure your children are in sight and within arm’s reach in areas that could conceal a lion.

And, finally, hike with a walking stick that can be used to ward off a lion or any other beast that you may surprise.

Don’t approach the cat if you encounter one, especially if it’s feeding or with its young. Most will avoid confrontation, but give them a wide berth for escape. Stay calm and face the animal. Don’t run as it may trigger the lion’s instinct to attack. Try to appear larger by raising your hands.

Pick up small children so they don’t panic and run. This also makes you appear larger. Avoid bending or crouching. If the lion acts aggressive, throw rocks, branches or whatever can be obtained without turning your back or bending over.

Fight back if attacked. A mountain lion usually tries to bite the head or neck; try to remain standing and face the attacking animal. People have successfully fought back with rocks, sticks or bare hands.