Employees should use caution when hiking, using trails

Mountain lions attacking humans reported in western states

Mountain lions have attacked humans in states neighboring New Mexico, according to recent news reports. And while attacks on humans are rare, they are markedly increasing.

In the Los Alamos area, there haven't been any recent reports of mountain lion attacks on people, according to Leslie Hansen of Ecology (RRES-ECO). But Laboratory employees and residents who mountain bike, jog, walk and use surrounding trails should remain alert to mountain lions, said Hansen.

Between 1890 and 1970 there were four documented fatal attacks by mountain lions on humans in the United States and Canada. During the 1970s there were three fatal attacks; two during the 80s; eight during the 1990s; and since 2000 there have been five fatal attacks, including the recent attack in California. Children are most at risk of being attacked by mountain lions.

Suspected reasons for this increase in attacks include changes in hunting pressure on mountain lions, expanding populations of the animal and expanding human populations, said Hansen.

Before 1970, mountain lions in most western states were classified as vermin, meaning they could be hunted or killed at any time, and many states paid a bounty for mountain lions. Since 1970, most states either classify mountain lions as a protected game species, with a limited hunting season, or do not allow the hunting of the animal at all, she said. The numbers of people living, working and recreating in mountain lion country also has increased dramatically during this period, increasing the probability of human encounters, Hansen explained.

Mountain lions are native to the Los Alamos region, and sightings are reported several times a year on Laboratory property, said Hansen. Mountain lions prefer rim rock and forested country, but can adapt to brushy terrain where food (primarily deer) can be found. "Laboratory personnel should anticipate that [mountain lions] could be located anywhere on the Laboratory," said Hansen.

The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish provided the following information for humans to remember when using areas frequented by mountain lions:

• When hiking in mountain lion habitat, go in groups and make enough noise to prevent surprising a lion;
• Make sure all children are close to adults, preferably within arm's reach;
• Don't allow children to run far in front or behind adults. Their high-pitched voices and rapid movements may attract mountain lions;
• Take a sturdy walking stick. It can be used as a weapon if necessary;
• Never approach a mountain lion. They are unpredictable and will usually avoid confrontation. Give them a way out;
• Never approach a dead animal. It may be a recent mountain lion kill. Partially covered animals also may be dangerous because mountain lions cover their prey between feedings;
• Keep a clean camp. Reduce odors that may attract small mammals like raccoons, which in turn attract mountain lions. Store meat, other foods, pet food and garbage in double plastic bags (ideally, pets should be left at home).

Hansen said humans should remember and practice these steps if they encounter a mountain lion:

• Stop or back away slowly if it can be done so safely;
• Stay calm. Talk calmly yet firmly to the animal and move slowly;
• Immediately pick up children off the ground and tell them to stay calm;
• Don't run; fleeing behavior may trigger the instinct of a mountain lion to attack;
• Face the mountain lion. Do not turn your back. Remain in an upright position and look as large as possible (outstretch arms and open coat if wearing one).

If a mountain lion approaches close or behaves aggressively, arm yourself with the stick, throw rocks or sticks at the lion, speak louder and more firmly; convince the lion that you are dominant and a danger to it. If it attacks, fight back. Use any possible object as a weapon such as rocks, sticks, a backpack or your bare hands. Mountain lions have been driven away by prey that fight back. Stay standing and if you fall down try to get back on your feet.

More information about how to handle encounters with mountain lions and other wildlife can be found at http://www.esh.lanl.gov/%7Eesh20/encounters.shtml online. And see the June 17, 2002, Daily Newsbulletin for additional information.

-- Steve Sandoval

Other Headlines