Mtn Lion Sighting at JPL

[dirtmistress]

That cat looks angry! That woman must have HUGE ovaried to stand and snap that pic!! Maybe it's on a serious zoom. Either way, it trips me out just to look at it. And yet, I wish I'd seen it!! "Lazy eye"...

[VTVic]

I have a co-worker that lives on the hills just east of JPL and she says there are a lot more mtn lion incidents in that area than they are reported on the news. Lots of dogs large and small come up missing over night from their yards...

[VTVic]

The following was forwarded to me by someone that lives in Altadena:

Dear Chaney Trail Neighbors & Trail Users,
Be aware that there is a large cougar in our immediate vicinity, perhaps two cougars. Near dawn this morning, a large cougar attacked Bonny Schumaker's big German Shepherd dog, Ford, who was sleeping on the deck outside her cabin in Millard Canyon. Bonnie requested that I let everyone know about the incident. She is currently meeting with a California Dept. of Fish & Game officer called by the USFS. Lonnie Fehr, USFS Millard Canyon Campground Host, knows about the attack and is being particularly alert in the campground.

Bonny's dog was not injured badly and will recover. Needless to say, Ford is a very lucky dog!

Bonny was awakened this morning by yelping. In her bathrobe and wooden clogs she turned on an outdoor light to see a large cougar attempting to drag Ford across the deck with the cat's jaws clamped around the dog's throat. Bonny hollered at the cat, ran over, and bonked it multiple times with her wooden clog until the cougar dropped the dog and fled to the fenced front yard. Bonny retreated with the dog, who was able to get himself back inside the cabin. Bonny then returned with a bright spotlight and continued to yell at the cat. The cougar paced the high fence trying to escape, then pulled itself over the gate and vanished.

Bonny's dog has at least one deep puncture wound in his neck, but will be fine. His long, thick fur probably saved his life in addition to Bonny's prompt and forceful action with her wooden shoe!

Perhaps more disquieting, Bonny heard a noise on her roof a while after the attack. When she investigated, she saw a cougar up there. It may have been a second cat instead of the first cougar returning. Sub-adult males will often travel together. She again hollered at the cougar to go away, shined a bright light at it, and set off a loud air horn. The cougar left.

Lonnie arrived around the same time in response to Bonny's phone call. They called USFS dispatch. In turn, the USFS called the California Dept. of Fish & Game. The DFG officer took a report and advised vigilance. No other action will be taken unless the cougar (or cougars) return and behave abnormally. As distressing as this incident has been, attacking a dog outside is considered well within normal mountain lion behavior.

Please be alert and look around when outdoors. Don't hike, mountain bike, or go running alone or with just your dog. Keep companion animals inside at night or outside only in an a roofed enclosure that is secure from mountain lion entry. Generally, cougars will not attack horses; however, small livestock such as chickens, rabbits, goats, etc. are at risk. Dog and cat owners need to secure their animals, especially at dawn, dusk and nighttime. Even attacks in broad daylight are possible, though less likely. Keep watch over small children outside... that's common sense even in the absence of cougars and bears.

Needless to say, my neighbor's dog will be coming along on my El Prieto runs from now on.

[Red Hawk]

I remember that photo, I saw that one last year. Unless there was a second sighting? I know this photo from the fall of last year. I know a few people that work at JPL they told me since I ride Brown mountain that there are quite a few sightings near JPL's fence due to the fact that the local deer are always on their property.

[sladnas]

Originally Posted by Tedroy

That's scary that she'd be down in the populated area by the bridge. Lots of dogs and kids and stuff to chase! Thanks for the heads up!

If you're hungry, you're hungry. The scary part is our reaction to that will be "now we must kill it."

[dstepper]

The warning signs keep coming in, cats coming to close in and displaying little fear of humans. I predicted during the first signings that something bad will have to happen before the cats are put down. It does not sound like this has met the threshold needed to take action....a person will be next.

Dean

[dirtmistress]

MAAN!! I want to find this Bonnie and teach her to mountain bike so we can ride together.
I'll have cleats put on her wooden clogs!!!
Frickin' awesome!

[VTVic]

Originally Posted by dirtmistress

MAAN!! I want to find this Bonnie and teach her to mountain bike so we can ride together.
I'll have cleats put on her wooden clogs!!!
Frickin' awesome!

LOL Liz

[Soc Eye]

Ran into this character today

[tekknics12]

I see families with little kids running up and down El Prieto and Arroyo seco trail all the time.........Its really the Families that need to take care..
they don't log onto this forum and would never know about this incident....gotta watch out!

[EMrider]

Originally Posted by dstepper

The warning signs keep coming in, cats coming to close in and displaying little fear of humans. I predicted during the first signings that something bad will have to happen before the cats are put down. It does not sound like this has met the threshold needed to take action....a person will be next.

Dean

Sadly you are probably correct.

We've been round and round here on the question of what, if anything, to do about mountain lions that venture near homes, people and trails. If it were up to me, I'd issue an order to have the cat (or cats) killed immediately. Not after someone is killed or injured.
R

[VTVic]

Originally Posted by tekknics12

I see families with little kids running up and down El Prieto and Arroyo seco trail all the time.........Its really the Families that need to take care..
they don't log onto this forum and would never know about this incident....gotta watch out!

I always try to alert others on the trail about the sightings...especially when I see kids around.