WrightwoodCalif.com Forum
Public Forums => Hot Topics => Topic started by: dave57 on Feb 09, 21, 07:25:45 AM
-
Just want to give everyone a heads up that the mountain lion that has be terrorizing Wrightwood over the past few weeks
had attacked 2 large dogs this morning at 3:30AM. Both dogs are going to survive although one is in surgery down in Upland as I type this.
One of my best friends here in Wrightwood had what we believe to be the same cat attack his two dogs over on the East Canyon area.
Again, both dogs survived but will take some time to recover. THIS IS SERIOUS.
In my mind, and I'm sure there are some who feel differently, IT'S TIME TO TAKE CARE OF THIS MOUNTAIN LION. There are people who have
dogs who could locate and "tree" this mountain lion, tranquilize it and then relocate it. If, in fact, the mountain lion has cubs they would have to be
located and transferred also.
The Fish and Wildlife people are not responding so far but have been contacted. We are also contacting KABC CHANNEL 7 to have them mention
the fact that we have an issue up here.
What's it going to take? A small child being taken off into the forest never to return?
I've lived in Wrightwood for many years and this cat needs to be taken care of or taken out completely.
PLEASE BE SAFE. DO NOT LEAVE YOUR ANIMALS OUT, ESPECIALLY AT NIGHT. THIS GOES FOR YOUR CHILDREN ALSO.
Dave
-
PLEASE BE SAFE. DO NOT LEAVE YOUR ANIMALS OUT, ESPECIALLY AT NIGHT. THIS GOES FOR YOUR CHILDREN ALSO.
The. Best. Advise.
-
Do not put dogs out alone at night! Go out WITH them, if they have to go. Take a stun gun, and a good flashlight.
-
I agree, Dave57. I read earlier a mountain lion (probably the same?) stuck it's head in someone's dog door. This is sadly a puma that is becoming too habituated to human homes. This is not typical mountain lion roaming. Yes, people should keep their pets in at night, however at this point this particular puma is likely already too comfortable in this community. We need to do something before a person is attacked. Even if perhaps it is caught and taken to Forever Wild? While that's not an ideal life for such a creature, it would perhaps be better than some of the alternatives.
-
Just want to follow up and let everyone know that Natasha, the husky who was attacked, came out of surgery in good shape and is now recovering at home. Many stitches but she's going to be fine.
Another thing I need to mention is the fact the Fish and Wildlife folks called back and let us know that the "cat" will probably be back tonight in the Cardinal / Flume Canyon area. All of us are prepared.
The guy from Fish and Wildlife also mentioned a "3 strike rule" which I'm assuming would mean 3 reports which they now have. I'd hate to kill the animal but if it's between our pets or, even worse, our kids
the cat will go down for sure.
Again, be safe and don't leave your pets out at night unless you are with them. I wouldn't go out at night without a gun.
PLEASE BE SAFE.
Dave
-
tranquilize it and then relocate it.
Relocate it where? The FS took a back seat and -effectively- let a fire burn a swath across the heart of the entire mountain range just west of you. Wrightwood and any other mountain communities in the vicinity should expect wildlife to be doing things differently for at least the next 5 years, depending on winter precipitation. Just wait 'til summer comes...
the "cat" will probably be back tonight in the Cardinal / Flume Canyon area. All of us are prepared.
I'd hate to kill the animal but if it's between our pets or, even worse, our kids
the cat will go down for sure.
I wouldn't go out at night without a gun.
PLEASE BE SAFE.
Dave
I'd advise slowing down there, Tex, and rethinking your current mindset. And the sign-off asking people to "please be safe" is full of irony. You live IN THE MOUNTAINS...and if you have for so long, how can you be so taken aback by wildlife?
-
"Wrightwood and any other mountain communities in the vicinity should expect wildlife to be doing things differently for at least the next 5 years" I live on "the edge", upper part of Oriole. I have never noticed rabbits on my property, but this year cottontails are a daily sight. I have been wondering about a predator disruption, perhaps the coyotes have gone elsewhere, etc.
As for wildlife, a puma or other large feline is very different from the usual bobcats, coyotes, foxes, and raccoons, a much higher threat level. Something has to be done.
Fun fact: Norway's northernmost province, Svalbard Island, has a polar bear population. It's illegal to NOT carry a rifle when outside of the city limits of its one large town Longyearbyen. If dangerous predators are to be protected and therefore tolerated, that's how it has to be.
-
humans are and will remain the invasive species
I'm for reintroducing the grizzly
-
People keep saying this has to do with the fire, but it killed its first dog in early July, attacked others that month, and was in my backyard with its cub on the east side in September, weeks before the fire. It's not a normal cougar that's passing through occasionally on its wide range. It's been here every night and has learned this to be its hunting ground. Eventually it's going to attack a human. I hate to say it and have never felt that way about one before, but it needs to be put down before it does.
-
There's no way to say that's the same animal. But if it's been a long term issue, then that changes things. However, people all locked-and-loaded and wound up real tight are a danger in and of themselves. Leave it to the professionals, Rambo.
-
There's no way to say that's the same animal. But if it's been a long term issue, then that changes things. However, people all locked-and-loaded and wound up real tight are a danger in and of themselves. Leave it to the professionals, Rambo.
The sightings have been almost nightly the entire time. It's a mother and a juvenile. They used to hunt together, now they hunt separately, but the town is their dinner buffet. It might have started because there were so many rabbits in town this year from the wet winter. I noticed that in May/June, before they came. But however it happened, they learned this is easy pickings, and aren't afraid of humans, and that's dangerous.
-
This mountain lion (and possibly its cub) are not solitary and elusive, and don't avoid humans.
Have I missed some reports of the animal interacting (not avoiding) with humans?
They are here feeding on the animals we're supporting -- our dogs that we leave out alone at night, the raccoons eating our garbage and pet food left out, etc. We should all work to minimize those food sources. But that doesn't eliminate the danger of a massive predator coming here for dinner every time its hungry, and not being afraid to do so.
This is why people can't leave dogs outside/unattended/unsecured if you are living in the forest. Leaving pet food out is no different than chumming the waters for sharks. Why would someone set out that kind of "bait" and be surprised when a wild animal shows up?
City folk that come here need to adjust for where they are now living. Sure, you may have been able to leave your animals in the back yard all day when you lived in Orange County, but ya just can't do that up here. There's all kinds of ways people who move here need to adjust for this area... for climate/weather differences, fire/earthquake issues, and yes, even wildlife. Right?
-
One of those ways to adjust is to load yourself up with weapons and ammo, stir up some fear and protectionism in the neighborhood, and be ready to bust out your firearm and "take out" anything that looks like a mountain lion.....seriously unload your firearm in a neighborhood because you can't leave your doggo outside. What could possibly go wrong?
Get a flippin grip, ya' flippin nuts. You gun nuts have a boogeyman complex.
-
Get a flippin grip, ya' flippin nuts. You gun nuts have a boogeyman complex.
Who are you even talking to? Gun nuts and Rambo? Talk about a boogeyman complex. People should be aware that it's not a normal mountain lion; it's habituated and is here nightly. Fish and Wildlife should take it out before it attacks a kid. No one said anything about walking around shooting into the night.
Bob C. -- it's been reported in people's garages and putting its head in dog doors. There's a house on Ash it was walking through every night despite the owner's repeated attempts to scare it away. It's hunting here looking for pets, and has been for 8 months. It's also been seen out in the open during the day. People here should be aware and alert.
-
I'm referring to Yosemite Sam, here:
All of us are prepared.
The guy from Fish and Wildlife also mentioned a "3 strike rule" which I'm assuming would mean 3 reports which they now have. I'd hate to kill the animal but if it's between our pets or, even worse, our kids
the cat will go down for sure.
Again, be safe and don't leave your pets out at night unless you are with them. I wouldn't go out at night without a gun.
I'm not going to get into a 2020-style interpretation of statements game. The meaning and tone of what he's saying is clear. So, now you have a mountain lion problem AND a gun nut problem.
Oh, and here's your story: https://abc7.com/pets-animals/mountain-lion-attacks-on-pets-sparks-concern-for-ie-community/10328052/
-
The problem is, as I have found on almost every occasion here, is that the stories that are being passed around are just that...stories. Not to say that there is not some truth in the account, but there has been more embellishment that fact in the accounts I have been told. And that may simply be from the fact that I have heard it having been passed on so many times, so please do not interpret this as me calling anyone a liar. But I do know that there are real conditions like perception distortion and memory recall error, where additional "memory detail" can be inflated or even fully manufactured as the result of a traumatic incident. It is an accepted fact in cases like witness testimony and personal interviews following crimes and disasters.
To say that the CDFW needs to "take it out" is a very ignorant statement. How about all of the coyotes that could potentially take a small dog, or attack a child? Or all the raccoons that plague so may yards, that are one of the prime vectors for rabies? Or the bobcats that could attack a small child? Kill 'em all? I've seen all of them here in town. I have neighbors who have lost animals to coyotes. Bobcats frequent my street. Racoons are everywhere. We live in there home for goodness sake. This isn't the city. We need to stop trying to remove the wild from the wild and grow up a bit.
Do what each of us can to make out town inhospitable for the cat, and it will realize that this is not where it should come for food. The larger problem has been on this very forum. I understand their intensions may have been noble, but for people to suggest nd act on leaving out food and water for wild animals is asinine. It has nurtured an environment within Wrightwood that invites both nuisance animals as well as prey animal, thus drawing in predatory animals. As I stated before, a mountain lion does not know the word "pet" and cannot recognize fences or other structures as territorial boundaries. It sees "prey" and food. All it knows is that the stalking is a lot easier. Remove the enticement...and it self-mitigates the problem.
-
Only a question; I have heard of dogs being attacked, but I have not heard of any being eaten?
-
https://wildlife.ca.gov/Keep-Me-Wild
Lots of good information here.
-
Wrightwood residents concerned for pet safety after several mountain lion attacks
https://abc7.com/pets-animals/mountain-lion-attacks-on-pets-spark-concern-for-ie-community/10328052/
-
So it's legal to discharge a firearm in a residential area if you're shooting at a Mountain Lion that's pursing your dog.
-
Thank you MNM. It is very disturbing to read a number of the responses here.
We humans are the most dangerous animals on earth. I am far more leery of humans than any other animal. I am more concerned about someone kidnapping or abusing a child than I am about a Puma hurting a child. In a lifetime of living in various environments, with wildlife from the ocean to residents of canyons, and the wilds of the North, I've rarely been threatened by an animal other than a human.
We are in this wildlife environment, encroaching on the other lifeforms within, not visa versa. Their species have been around a lot longer than ours. They are not filled with ulterior motives to harm us. They are simply looking to eat and survive...and are curious. They are intelligent beings.
It is our responsibility to watch out for our children and the other life forms...dogs cats, etc. we bring into the environment.
When I first moved here, the ravens would swoop down from their next in a tree only 12 feet away from my house, and try to pick up my dog. I didn't shoot or poison them. They are highly intelligent animals that live up to 20, sometimes 25 years. I studied about them, and started communicating with them. They stopped. We made peace. They now alert me to certain goings on.
I think we forget how many being from the sky can pick up any one of animals or a small child at any time. I've had body parts, unfortunately of a cat I knew who was allowed to be out, fall out of the sky, inches from my head one time. A very hard experience. Owls also are great hunters of small beings. Cats, allowed to be outside, go missing all the time.
I walk my dog, always on a leash, 4x/day. I have to as I do not have a fully fenced yard. I trained my cat to walk on with a halter, years ago, and he does not go out unless he is on the halter and a lead, on the porch with me, lead in hand.
When I first moved here, about 7.5 years ago, Coyotes ran freely through the property and I'd see them carrying prey in their mouths up Acorn, et. al. I've seen almost none since our extreme drought followed by the fires. I've never been afraid of them, as they are shy beings, unless they are in their pack.
A Bobcat lived across the street for a number of months. We had to pass it every time we went out. We made peace right away, It never threatened my dog, although it was stealthy enough to kill the gorgeous adult raven while it was on the ground. It even let me walk with it, alone, for about a block once. It was amazing...and a privilege.
I love Squirrels. They are very intelligent and can remember up to 10,000 places they've buried their nuts. I can't even count how many times I've had to remove their warm corpses from the streets because some human doesn't pay attn and doesn't care about killing a Squirrel. It is often thought that Squirrels are dumb because they don't run when a car is coming their way. But running is the opposite of what their defense patterns are. When they are under threat, from land or sky, they stop, flatten, attempt to blend in (which they do) and stay absolutely still so the hunting animal does not spot them. It's fascinating. I've watched them dozens of times. My dog doesn't go after Squirrels. They coexist perfectly.
And, by the way, how many times have my dog and I almost been hit walking because humans/drivers don't pay attention? Sometimes, in the winter, I wear 3-4 different brightly colored scarves, along with a multi-colored hat to stand out and we still have to watch very carefully.
If the Puma is putting their head in a person's cat door, secure the door. It is no excuse to harm another animal.
I've lived in many environments, in different parts of the country and the bottom line is human are the most dangerous and destructive animals there are.
We are privileged to live here. To me, one of our responsibilities is to learn about the wildlife we cohabit with.
Listen to the animals you have. My cat and dog always alert me when their is another animal on the property. Also, I watch my dog carefully when we are out. There had been times when we've turned one way on our street at night...a normal route...when he stops, smells the air and ground and turns around. He knows better than I if danger is about and I follow his lead.
Yes, take in your animals at night if possible. Leave lights on outside. Make noise before and when you go out of the house at any time. Noise is a big deterrent to most animals including humans. I always walk w/a hiking stick or ski pole esp. to make noise. I'm an expert shot but haven't carried my gun with me in years and don't want to. And, when I did carry it, it was to protect myself against humans.
The idea that we, as humans, can just do anything we want because we live here, is false and dangerous. To me, respecting, and learning about the animals around us is a big part of our cohabiting with them. We are very careful....just as we would be if we were in the city and alert to humans wanting to make us a target. Neither my animals nor I have had any unfortunate encounters with wild animals here. We have had unfortunate encounters with humans who refused to keep their dogs on leashes when walking.
I am VERY uncomfortable with making the Puma a villain. There are way too many people here, and around the area, who would buy into a story that the Puma needs to be "taken out" and "take out" their guns. There are so few left of these magnificent animals.
We humans are supposed to be intelligent animals, yet we so frequently treat all beings, who have survived as species much longer than we, as not having any intelligence, which is completely erroneous.
Let us be grateful this Cougar and offspring are alive. Let us do what we can to mitigate its' desire and/or need to be closer to the village. Let us take responsibility for our own behavior. And, let us be alert to our environment and the dangers it holds...not just from other non-human beings, but human beings. Thanks for listening.
-
Maybe just carry pepper spray instead of a gun. It's supposed to be very effective and less likely to do damage to someone else if you miss.
-
sagespirit that was an excellent post and summed up my own thoughts better than I could have, thank you.
-
I would never kill any wildlife. My dog is only outside when I'm outside. However I am thinking I need a dog I can out run..
It's evident there's a lot of city people living in rural areas.
One thing I remember about Wrightwood is the dogs outside barking all night. Anyone that leaves a dog out all night shouldn't have one. If you're a good dog owner your dog is probably following you around like a shadow.
-
Nicely said, sagespirit. ?
And there are a lot of city people who move to rural areas, and have no idea how to deal with wildlife.
I have more of a problem with people who let their cats go outside than I do with wild animals. Today, I had to chase off 2 domestic cats which were sitting under my bird feeder. I have 2 cats, but they never go outside. If you let your cats outside, you may as well just name them "Snack." They won't last long. Coyotes love them.
My dogs don't ever go out without me and my stun gun, either. Otherwise, I would be an irresponsible pet owner. And I walk them at least once/day.
And I never leave the doggie door unlocked. That would be just asking for trouble. Dogs, cats, and other animals would get out, and get in.
-
Excellent post SageSpirit! Well done!!! :2thumbsup:
-
Hey those of us who live down here in the city chased them back up over the mountain to wrightwood where they belong, in the mountains, not the city.
-
Good information here:
https://cougarconservancy.org/
Maybe some helpful information. :)
-
In the fifty years I lived in Wrightwood, lions were always here. They've always been secretive for the most part. I recall seeing several Lions in town when returning back from calls late at night at the fire station. I now live in Bellevue, Idaho and we have lots of wildlife that lives in and around this area. We used to respond to lots of folks scared because a black bear was on eating their bird feeder or in the trash they left out the night before trash day. Here's an article from the local paper about the influx of Mountain lions and what folks can do to mitigate human/Mountain Lion conflicts.
https://www.mtexpress.com/news/environment/f-g-reports-uptick-in-lion-sightings-encounters/article_903e06ca-6cc0-11eb-8294-b37157a3db66.html#utm_source=mtexpress.com&utm_campaign=%2Fnewsletters%2Fheadlines-2%2F%3F-dc%3D1613090181&utm_medium=email&utm_content=read%20more (https://www.mtexpress.com/news/environment/f-g-reports-uptick-in-lion-sightings-encounters/article_903e06ca-6cc0-11eb-8294-b37157a3db66.html#utm_source=mtexpress.com&utm_campaign=%2Fnewsletters%2Fheadlines-2%2F%3F-dc%3D1613090181&utm_medium=email&utm_content=read%20more)
-
My father is retired from law enforcement. He told me if you see a mountain lion and think you or your property or your children or anyone may be in danger, you have every right to -and you should- call 911. They have the power to get whoever needs to get out there immediately.
-
"They've always been secretive for the most part." That seems to be the key sentence. I'll take you at your word that you've seen lions in town driving back from fire calls. Back when I didn't work from home (340 days ago!) for decades I habitually returned drove home at night, seen critters small and very large but never a puma. Are you discounting the worry of the those who claim seeing this and claim that it is unusual? Cool heads should discuss a solution, but I find their testimony worrisome.
-
I used to walk my dogs almost every night, often as late as midnight. I have been followed by coyotes, seen a couple of bears, and yes on two occasions seen a mountain lion. One time down by the school and the other time over on Lark. A bit like some kind of phantom wanting no part of me and two large dogs, but still a little unnerving. Unfortunately the dogs are gone now.
-
"They've always been secretive for the most part." That seems to be the key sentence. I'll take you at your word that you've seen lions in town driving back from fire calls. Back when I didn't work from home (340 days ago!) for decades I habitually returned drove home at night seen critters small and very large but never a puma. Are you discounting the worry of the those who claim seeing this and claim that it is unusual? Cool heads should discuss a solution, but I find their testimony worrisome.
st
I was in the worst day of your life business for thirty plus years and spent a lifetime assessing immediate risk (whether from environmental, human, situational or other factors) to my crew and the public. Before that, two consecutive tours in a remote part of Viet Nam where assessing all of the above was important. My kids still call me Safety Dad. I never have felt like our family or my crew was ever in a dangerous position from any wildlife by living here or recreating in the area. I remember helping John Paulik load up the Mountain Lion hit by a car that now is displayed at Grassy Hollow Visitors Center back in the 70's (which impressed me greatly...it was a young male who was all muscle). I simply offered an example of how my new community in Idaho is dealing with living with very large wild animals like Elk, Deer, Moose, Coyote, Bobcat and Mountain Lion in an urban interface area. They do have Wolves that have been seen within our County. Like here, not everyone is keen on sharing space with things that eat meat.
Have had horses for over 45 years and although we saw tracks on the driveway, we never had any kind of encounter or problem other then other peoples dogs running loose. Fact is....the village has been losing dogs and cats since November 1970 when Chris and I moved to our first home on Upper Lark. I've lost chickens to a Bobcat and to a neighbors dog. There has been no reported attacks by Mountain Lions or documented ones that I ever heard of or had reported here. Many years ago, a local homeowner killed a Black Bear in the village after putting a chicken coop in his yard. He used a .22 rifle when the bear broke through the chicken wire and there was quite a stir. The bear was just reacting to an attractive buffet and the homeowner responded that he was protecting his property.
My advice is for folks to do their due diligence before walking around with with a locked and loaded weapon in their neighborhood. Talk with the folks who are the experts on wildlife behavior. Educate yourself on what the risks really are. Have someone from Game and Fish present a program in the village. Do the research on the internet relative to living with large predators. Have the phone number of Game and Fish handy and report sightings and changes of lion behavior that is out of ordinary. Keep their pets where the many predators, both on the ground and in the air, will not have access to them.
I sure wouldn't get real worried about living in Wrightwood with the wildlife that lives among us. They just want to go on with their lives unmolested....just like us.
-
Whoa - If nothing else this topic I posted got some responses.
Yes, we live in the mountains and the Mountain Lions have been around long before us. I don't want them shot but do fear that a young child might be
taken which would be horrible.
I haven't heard of any sightings over the past 2 days but will still say PLEASE BE CAREFUL.
Dave
-
https://www.mountainlion.org/FAQfrequentlyaskedquestions.php
ABILITIES
Mountain lions can:
Bound up to 40 feet running
Leap 15 feet up a tree
Climb over a 12 foot fence
Travel many miles at 10 mph
Reach speeds of 50 mph in a sprint
WHAT DO MOUNTAIN LIONS EAT?
Opportunistic hunters, mountain lions typically hunt alone from dusk to dawn, taking their prey (primarily deer) from behind. On average, a lion will kill a deer about once a week. They also dine on coyotes, raccoons, rodents, elk, feral hogs, and even porcupines. They may drag the meal to another area and cover it with dry leaves, grass or pine needles to protect the food from other animals and to reduce spoilage. A mountain lion may return to feed at the site over a period of several days.
HOW CAN I PROTECT MY PETS AND LIVESTOCK FROM MOUNTAIN LIONS?
If you live in or around mountain lion habitat, it is wise to bring your animals indoors at night. Although still a fairly rare occurrence, domestic animals can be an easy meal for mountain lions and other wild predators. Mountain lions hunt primarily at night and unprotected pets, sheep and goats are easy prey. Most pets and livestock do not have the skills to protect themselves and are dependent on people for their safety. The threat to domestic animals from mountain lions can easily be avoided by modifying animal husbandry practices.
-
"HOW CAN I PROTECT MY PETS AND LIVESTOCK FROM MOUNTAIN LIONS?
If you live in or around mountain lion habitat, it is wise to bring your animals indoors at night. Although still a fairly rare occurrence, domestic animals can be an easy meal for mountain lions and other wild predators. Mountain lions hunt primarily at night and unprotected pets, sheep and goats are easy prey. Most pets and livestock do not have the skills to protect themselves and are dependent on people for their safety. The threat to domestic animals from mountain lions can easily be avoided by modifying animal husbandry practices."
Good information based on facts from years of local study of Mountain Lions. Those last two sentences are pretty simple. Should give folks some real world facts to work with.
This had always has been pretty low on my threat radar and remains so. I worry more about Coyotes-Bobcats-Hooligan Raccoons-Owls (and domestic dogs roaming) then Mountain Lions. My only hope is that I get to see one in the wild here in Idaho.
They live all around us here in the Wood River Valley. I've got my 400mm lens fixed and hope to capture an image.
-
Thanks to everyone who has posted, and brought to light, factual and educational information to help us understand, and live with, our forest beings. I forgot to mention that when I take my dog out at night, out of necessity, I not only carry my hiking stick or ski pole, but I have a headlamp on and often some sort of illumination device on my dog. As I reported before, I always watch my dog's reactions, esp. to smell, and sound. And, I am on high alert: scanning w/my headlamp and listening for movement and eyes that light up i the night. So far, the only animals that have rushed me have been dogs off leash.
Jim, good to "see" you here and I hope you are able to get a photo of the Mountain Lions in your new home. I know you will share them with us.
Thanks again, to everyone who has added to our knowledge of these magnificent creatures. sagespirit
-
Facebook
Debra Hordyk
2 hr
Not going to post any pictures but last night the Mountain lion killed one of our goats. She was at least 100lb goat. Please watch your pets ! We have had our goats for 10yrs. and never had a problem.
Note: This is in the Ash area of Wrightwood
-
So sorry to hear about your goat, Debra. It's always a shock.
I trust if you have more than one goat, the others are now in "protective custody" at night.
Again, I am sorry for your loss. sagespirit
-
More info from the Humane Society in a bulletin re: the most trophy hunted animals in the U.S. I just received.
Our Puma is reportedly w/her offspring in WW.
Mountain Lion kittens depend on their mothers until they are 2 years old. So, our Puma's kitten is not just traveling with her, she/he is dependent on her while she/he is learning to survive in this world.
Further, when a mother lion is killed, her inexperienced kitten typically starves to death or dies due to predation by other animals.
Again, let us all keep alert, and keep ourselves, children, and pets out of harms way. Let us keep this mother and kitten safe as well and cohabit peacefully. Gratefully, sagespirit
-
The "kitten" was a yearling hunting with its mother in July. They separate at 15 months, not two years. They're already separated, hasn't been a reported sighting of both together since September. If the cub was a female, they probably have overlapping ranges and both are in town. If it was a male, it's probably long gone and just the mother here still.
-
Sagespirt thank you for taking the time to write a beautiful plan for living with wildlife.
-
Multiple reports of Mountain Lion sightings from afternoon 4-18-21
Facebook...
Mountain Lion spotted this afternoon-
walking on Upper East Cyn at Slippery Elm.
Pacific Crest- Ww Mtn area above LPC.
From email...
Sunday 4/18 at 1:55PM, neighbor phoned to let me know that a mountain lion had just crossed through their property (East Canyon, across from Mountain Mahogany). The cat came out from the west (Sheep Creek Wash area), crossed thru their place, and continued east up the hill towards that part of Mojave Scenic.
-
Multiple reports of Mountain Lion sightings in the past few days
Yesterday morning near Camp Wrightwood (Linnet Rd & Elm St)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1PpdRnX0LaU
(https://wrightwoodcalif.com/wildlife/Lion.4.11.22.a.jpg)
-
https://youtu.be/qvjd-T8QeYA
-
The WW Mountain Lion has been around for quite a while now. This is her territory. It is always necessary to be alert to our NonHuman neighbors and remind ourselves that our environs are not to be taken for granted: to be extra careful with our pets and stock. Thanks for the alert. We have lost so many of Puma's food sources due to the fires and the drought. It must be very hard for her. But, we must always remember she is a member of our community. Again, we are the humans, and responsible for our children, pets and livestock. We chose to live in her territory.
I am concerned that the latest video of her is now posted on YT. There are still too many trigger happy people about who would be happy to harm or kill her.
My dog and I had a very powerful, and sacred, encounter with her a year ago Feb. We were calm. No panic. No fear. She could have hurt us easily, but we did not threaten each other. We looked into each others eyes, accepted each others presence and all was well.
Caution, respect and safety. Those words go for our encounters with humans in these tenuous times..or perhaps first, as well as NonHuman beings. Sagespirit
-
I was driving down Lone Pine at about 4:45 am on the 11th and saw what looked to be like the same lion about a quarter of a mile from the top, just walking along the side of the road towards town. They are such amazing animals, it didn't seem to even care that I drove past it at 2 miles per hour, just kept walking.
-
The mt lion was in the Linnet & Walnut area this morning at 5:15 am - appeared to be the same one
(https://wrightwoodcalif.com/wildlife/MD_4.18.22.Lion1.JPG)
-
Hard to tell, but that picture makes it look like it has a tracking collar on.
-
No it doesn't have a tracking collar
Hard to tell, but that picture makes it look like it has a tracking collar on.
-
Dogs have, indeed, been attacked and eaten.
Be safe and always keep your animals safe as well.
Dave
-
Great YouTube series
California Mountain Lions
Episode 1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGEdiCLPOGs
Episode 2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTyzFKiL98A
Episode 3
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UxkgIm8SqVE
Episode 4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owtydejK6Fo
Episode 5
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FZQo7f4WLs
Episode 6
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CfV4WpQ72X8
Episode 7
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18peh0ARV3Q
Episode 8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9bcZ1ko7Kk
-
I am coming to the Forum because I feel you guys are all level headed and drama is to a minimum. We have lived in Wrightwood over 30 years and there seems to be a huge amount of worry about the mountain lions lately. I am not sure if there is really a problem or if, because of Social Media, we are hearing more about these incidents. There was an attack right behind our house, a neighbor on Pacific Crest, last week around 3 am. (dog pushed her way thru the doggie door and got out without owner's awareness). It was tragic but it triggered anxiety in me. We always have large dogs and they are in at night. But now I am scared stiff to let them out while I am gone for work for fear they will get attacked. Can you all please post some actual info to help me work past this fear? Hearing the attack last week has rattled me.
-
I may be wrong, but it seems like most of the dog attacks are from dogs who were left outside. Yes, I saw the comments about someone who forgot their doggie door wasn't secured, so that was a tragic mistake. These mountain lions can easily jump fences. Dogs and cats that are left out unattended, are at a higher risk. Especially at night.
So its just a matter of how much risk you are willing to accept.
Personally, I never, ever leave my dog outside unattended. Yes, my dog has a fenced in area to go to the bathroom, but I'm there to watch. Other than that, my dog stays inside, or on the 2nd floor deck, when I'm around. If you want to reduce the risk to almost zero, then I think that's the only way.
There is only one way i would even consider leaving my dog outside unattended... and that is if the dog was in a completely enclosed dog run. This means enclosed sides and roof, so there is zero way for a mountain lion to reach the dog by climbing or digging under the bottom of the sides. Not a chicken wire contraption either... but something strong enough and completely enclosed to prevent the mountain lion from getting to my dog.
I understand the desire to let them out when you're gone to work. While mountain lion attacks are probably more common at night (dawn or dusk), there certainly is a possibility of an attack during daylight hours, too. Would you consider a good enclosed dog run, to protect your dog?
-
I completely agree with you, BobC. I am with my dog at all times when he is out since I walk him 4-6x daily. The only way I would ever leave a dog or cat out here is in a secure "zoo enclosure" , so to speak. Poor cats are "kitty kibble" to the vast array of predators. A top on the kennel not only protects the domestic animal for the Big Cats or Coyotes, but Owls, Ravens, Eagles, etc....the animals of the air. I was unfortunate enough to be just a couple of feet away when one of the animals of the air dropped what was left of a neighbors cat a couple of feet from me. I recognized the coat pattern instantly. I loved that cat, but it was not mine. It was a traumatic for me.
We are in the invaders in the territory of the wild animals. If we choose to live here, we cannot blame the wild animals for doing what comes naturally. Yes, there will be accidents, but we can do the best we can to protect our four-leggeds from mishaps.
And, I will never forget an incident shortly after I moved here, almost 10 years ago now. A human was walking a large dog who was threatening a smaller dog walking with a man. The owner of the small dog picked up the dog, that was on a lead to begin with, and had the dog in his arms pressed against his chest. The man with the big dog allowed the big dog to rip the little dog out of its' owners arms and kill it. Horrible beyond words. Do not give in to hysteria re: wild animals. Never forget, humans are the most destructive animal on earth. Keep safe!
-
Thank you for your insight. We will do some serious thinking about how to balance a quality of life with a safe life for our dogs.
-
Keep pets indoors at night!
It's been a number of months since a Mountain Lion has been seen in our neighborhood. This morning the neighborhood has one less raccoon. (https://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/wildlife/7.24.23.LionKill2.m4v)
-
Absolutely!!!
-
Lion video from 2.18.23 appears much larger (https://wrightwoodcalif.com/wildlife/2.18.23.MtLion1.m4v)
-
What area was this?
-
Near the Methodist Camp (Elm and Linnet)
-
Great video!!
-
Lucky cat...
https://youtu.be/KefeuuSPeLs
Near the Methodist Camp (Elm and Linnet)