header image

[Sign Up Now] to Receive Our FREE Daily SCVTV-SCVNews Digest by E-Mail

Inside
Weather


 
Calendar
Today in
S.C.V. History
March 29
1928 - Little dam victim, thought unidentified & buried in SCV, actually ID'd & buried in Chatsworth [story]
Newhall Cowboys


Commentary by Dianne Erskine-Hellrigel
| Sunday, Nov 17, 2013

DianneErskineHellrigelWhatever you choose to call a cougar – a mountain lion, puma, panther, mountain cat or a catamount – it is no secret they live among us here in Santa Clarita.

It is not probable you will ever see a cougar. If you do, you are very lucky. A grown male needs approximately 100 square miles to support his deer habit. A female needs approximately 50 square miles.

There is a female I’ve seen many times in Towsley Canyon. She is affectionately known as Elsa.

Elsa is normally good humored and fairly habituated to humans; however, she growled at me once when she had a kitten with her. I slowly backed away – backing around the corner from which I had just emerged – and when I peeked back around the corner a few minutes later, she and the kitten were gone.

Cougar7188There is a male that has East Canyon to Simi Valley as part of his territory, and another male that frequents the ridges above Placerita Canyon and over toward Action. I have seen these animals only a few times. Since I’ve been hiking in groups, I have not seen any cougars. They don’t like lots of company.

Occasionally someone will see one while hiking, or near a housing tract, but it is rare for a person and a cougar to be in the same place at the same time. When the two happen to meet, the sightings are often exaggerated and tend to favor humans and livestock over the cat.

We’ve all read articles about large bands of these cats attacking horses and cattle. And how, when facing an imminent attack, the brave human was able to swiftly outrun the cat.

Frankly, all this is hogwash.

Cougars are solitary animals. There are a few exceptions, but in general, they are nocturnal and solitary. They are highly adaptable and can be found in almost all habitats, but their preference is a brushy area, like our local Southern California chaparral, high rock outcroppings for seeing out over the grassy areas where ungulates might be grazing, and close to a riparian area where they can easily find water.

There must also be plentiful prey. The cougars will follow their prey from one area to the next to survive, which is why they need such large territories. If you see deer on your hike, there’s probably a cougar snoozing nearby. A cougar will generally kill and eat a deer every three to four days.

Cougar7203While their primary sustenance of choice is deer, other typical food sources include all ungulates – which, in addition to deer, include elk, moose, bighorn sheep, cattle and domestic sheep. They will also hunt smaller species if the opportunity presents itself. They’ve even been known even to eat mice and insects. Who doesn’t like a nice appetizer now and then?

Most of the attacks on humans have resulted from young, inexperienced hunters or old, sickly cats.

What should you do if you meet a cougar on the trail? Do not run. Runners, bicyclists and solitary hikers are more apt to attract a cougar. Fast-moving objects (you) will kick in their prey instinct, and they might attack even if they are not hungry.

Do not bend over to make yourself look small. You want to make yourself as big as possible. If you have a child with you, put the child on your shoulders. A cat will attack the shortest person in a group. Wave sticks, throw rocks, make noise … all of these actions will deter a mountain lion. They prefer peace and quiet. A human who stands still, makes noise and waves things around is not a perfect choice for a meal.

If a mama cougar has a kitten with her, slowly back away while facing her – and be prepared to make noise and wave your sticks around if she starts to approach. Generally, when you are at a safe distance, she will disappear. Cougars do not like confrontation, and they are shy around people.

Attacks on humans are rare, but there have been more in recent years due to a loss of habitat, fires, and stupid human behavior such as leaving bowls of dog food – and even Fluffy – outside at night.

If you happen to be attacked, you have a short time in which to react. Use your hands to find the face; feel around for the eyes. When you find them, stick your finger in the eye as swiftly and as hard as you can. This will cause the cougar to release his grip, and that will give you the chance to get away.

This is a proven method. A ranger in Colorado was attacked; when the ranger poked the eye out, the cougar released and stood there shaking his head, then walked away. The ranger replied later that he saw the one-eyed cougar for a couple of years – but never again did it venture into man’s territory.

Other hints to keep yourself and your loved ones safe include: Don’t hike alone. Don’t let children run ahead of you on a hike or lag behind. Be aware of your surroundings.

Carry a stick, a golf club, hiking poles, or a baseball bat. Don’t lure a mountain lion onto your property by leaving food, water or Fluffy outside. Hike in a group, and talk or make noise while you hike. Use a bear bell on your pack if you’re alone. Don’t let your dog off its leash while you’re hiking because the dog could attract a cougar. Consider carrying a personal locator device in case you need help. Cell phones often do not work in open spaces.

Genetically, cougars are more closely related to the house cat than African lions. They are also the second largest wild cat in the Americas, just behind the jaguar.

I like to think of cougars as overgrown house cats. Having trained and lived with a bobcat for 16 years, I see many of the same traits when I come face-to-face with a cougar.

Remember, you are the Alpha male (or female) when you see a cat. If you act like you’re in control, don’t run, make noise, throw rocks and wave your hiking sticks around, you will most probably not only survive the encounter, but even find yourself bragging about it down the line.

To see a cougar is close to a miracle. It’s an amazing experience you will never forget.

 

Dianne Erskine-Hellrigel is executive director of the Community Hiking Club and president of the Santa Clara River Watershed Conservancy.

 

 

Cougar7207

Comment On This Story
COMMENT POLICY: We welcome comments from individuals and businesses. All comments are moderated. Comments are subject to rejection if they are vulgar, combative, or in poor taste.
REAL NAMES ONLY: All posters must use their real individual or business name. This applies equally to Twitter account holders who use a nickname.

1 Comment

  1. Evelyne Vandersande says:

    Welcome to SCVNews Dianne and congratulation.
    It is good to see you there.

Leave a Comment


Opinion Section Policy
All opinions and ideas are welcome. Factually inaccurate, libelous, defamatory, profane or hateful statements are not. Your words must be your own. All commentary is subject to editing for legibility. There is no length limit, but the shorter, the better the odds of people reading it. "Local" SCV-related topics are preferred. Send commentary to: LETTERS (at) SCVNEWS.COM. Author's full name, community name, phone number and e-mail address are required. Phone numbers and e-mail addresses are not published except at author's request. Acknowledgment of submission does not guarantee publication.
Read More From...
RECENT COMMENTARY
Wednesday, Mar 27, 2024
Remo, Inc. is is the world's leading manufacturer and developer of synthetic drumheads and shells. They’ve been in business for 60 years
Tuesday, Mar 26, 2024
Springtime in Santa Clarita brings not only vibrant blooms and opportunities to embrace the outdoors with warmer weather, but also an array of free, family-friendly events and this Saturday is no exception.
Thursday, Mar 21, 2024
Did you know that each year, Main Street in Old Town Newhall undergoes countless makeovers for different events, such as Light Up Main Street and the Fourth of July Parade?
Thursday, Mar 21, 2024
Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, whose Fifth District includes the Santa Clarita Valley, issued the following statement Thursday in response to an announcement by Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel of a proposal to change how calls to the 9-8-8 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline are routed.
Monday, Mar 18, 2024
Unlike our children who enjoy a week-long spring break, we adults no longer have that luxury.
Friday, Mar 15, 2024

Latest Additions to SCVNews.com
1928 - Little dam victim, thought unidentified & buried in SCV, actually ID'd & buried in Chatsworth [story]
Newhall Cowboys
Los Angeles County Public Works is updating the Los Angeles County Bicycle Master Plan.
April 16:  County Bicycle Master Plan Virtual Community Meeting
College of the Canyons mens golf got back on track during its return to conference play on Monday, carding a five-man score of 370 to top the eight-team field at Brookside Golf Course and maintain its unblemished conference mark.
Cougars Win Again, Keep Conference Streak
Los Angeles County Treasurer and Tax Collector, reminds property owners that the second installment of the 2023-24 Annual Secured Property Taxes becomes  delinquent if not received by 5 p.m. Pacific Time or United States Postal Service postmarked on or before Wednesday, April 10, 2024.
County Treasurer Reminds Property Owners of April 10 Due Date
Local nonprofit Fostering Youth Independence is seeking “Allies” to support Santa Clarita youth who are aging out of the L.A. County foster care system.
April 16: FYI Seeks Volunteers To Pair With Local Foster Youth
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health today unveiled the latest L.A. County Health Survey, which gathers vital data on health behaviors, conditions, neighborhood settings, and the needs of L.A .County residents, informing future public health policies and programs.
Public Health Unveils the 2023 L.A. County Health Survey Findings
Due to the projected rain forecast, Eggstravaganza will now be held indoors at the Canyon Country Community Center beginning promptly at 10 a.m. on March 30.
March 30: Eggstravaganza Now Being Held Indoors at Canyon Country Community Center
To support the mental health of California's young people, the California Department of Public Health awarded $25 million to 28 tribal and community-based organizations across the state.
California Announces $25 Million in Awards for Youth Mental Health
The College of the Canyons Athletic Department will host a dedication ceremony to unveil the Michele Jenkins Softball Team Room in honor of the longtime board member and ardent softball program supporter’s nearly 40 years of service to the district.
April 16: COC to Host Michele Jenkins Team Room Dedication Ceremony
PFLAG Santa Clarita has announced the establishment of the Peggy and Jeff Stabile PFLAG SCV Scholarship. The scholarship will provide financial assistance to LGBTQIA+ students pursuing higher education and committed to advocating for LGBTQIA+ rights and promoting diversity and inclusion.
PFLAG SCV Announces Stabile PFLAG Scholarship
1934 - Bouquet Canyon Reservoir, replacement for ill-fated St. Francis Dam & reservoir, begins to fill with water [story]
Bouquet Reservoir
The California Department of Public Health launched the “Never a Bother” campaign, a youth suicide prevention public awareness and outreach campaign for youth, young adults, and their parents, caregivers, and allies.
California Launches New Youth Suicide Prevention Campaign
The Santa Clarita Master Chorale invites the community to "Let the Sunshine In," a delightful evening of food, wine and song at the annual Cabaret & Cabernet fundraising benefit.
April 20: Santa Clarita Master Chorale’s Cabaret, Cabernet Fundraiser
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health cautions residents who are planning to visit the below Los Angeles County beaches to avoid swimming, surfing, and playing in ocean waters:
March 27 Ocean Water Warning
As an integral ingredient necessary to help the Santa Clarita Valley to flourish, feedback from the business community is the secret sauce for achieving great things.
SCVEDC Asks For the Business Community’s Opinion on Santa Clarita
Raise your heart rate while raising funds for the Santa Clarita Sister Cities Dollars-for-Desks campaign to provide school desks for students in Sariaya, Santa Clarita's Sister City in the Philippines.
April 13: Sister Cities Zumba-thon Fundraiser
Remo, Inc. is is the world's leading manufacturer and developer of synthetic drumheads and shells. They’ve been in business for 60 years
SCVEDC Company Spotlight: Drumming Up Big Business with Remo, Inc.
California State Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo (D-Chatsworth) and Assemblyman James Ramos (D-Highland) have introduced AB 3074 the "School or athletic team names: California Racial Mascots Act."
Schiavo Introduces Bill to Prohibit ‘Derogatory’ School Mascot Names
Los Angeles County’s Justice, Care and Opportunities Department  in collaboration with Local Initiatives Support Corporation Los Angeles is proud to announce the 2nd Annual Pitch Competition for the cohorts of JCOD's Incubation Academy.
March 28: JCOD Incubation Academy Helps Grassroots Non-Profits For the Second Year
Children’s Bureau is seeking foster families and now offers two virtual ways for individuals and/or couples to learn how to help children in foster care while reunifying with birth families or how to provide legal permanency by adoption.
April 18: Children’s Bureau Hosts Virtual Orientation
The Sunburst track was constructed in 1887 by the Southern Pacific Railroad and was a part of the main line running between San Francisco and Los Angeles.
Enjoy Spring With a Ride On The Sunburst Track
California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond hosted a Personal Finance Summit today where he announced his support for Assembly Bill 2927 (McCarty), legislation that would require a personal finance education course for California high school graduation.
State Superintendent Announces Support for Personal Finance Graduation Requirement
1847 - Probable birth date of Pico Canyon oil driller Charles Alexander Mentry [story]
C.A. Mentry
SCVNews.com