Two Mountain Lion Cubs Spotted in Fortuna Area
Sign shared on Facebook by Fortuna Police.
Fortuna Police reported that two mountain lion cubs were spotted in Rohner Park this afternoon.
According to a post on the Fortuna Police Department’s Facebook page, California Department of Fish and Wildlife has been notified and will be informing their staff about the situation.
While sightings of cubs do not necessarily mean a threat, their presence can indicate that a mother lion may be nearby. Authorities have not reported any aggressive behavior, but the community should be alert.
The National Park Service (NPS) provides the following guidance on how to react if you encounter a mountain lion:
If you see a mountain lion:
Stay calm. Hold your ground or back away slowly. Face the lion and stand upright. Do not approach a lion, especially one that is feeding or with kittens. Most mountain lions will try to avoid confrontation if given a way to escape.
Do not run. Running may trigger a lion’s instinct to chase. Instead, stand and face the animal and make eye contact. If you have small children, pick them up if possible so they do not panic and run. Avoid bending over while doing so. (yes, we know that sounds impossible but do your best.)
Do not crouch or bend down. Biologists believe that in general, mountain lions do not recognize standing humans as prey, but a person crouching can resemble a four-legged animal.
If a mountain lion approaches or behaves aggressively, the NPS advises making yourself appear larger by raising your arms, opening your jacket, and speaking firmly in a loud voice. Without turning your back or crouching, you can throw stones, branches, or other available objects toward the animal to deter it. Initially, aim for the ground in front of it as a warning.
If the lion continues to approach, throw objects directly at its body. Your safety is the priority. If attacked, fight back using whatever is available — rocks, sticks, jackets, backpacks, or even bare hands — and try to remain standing while protecting your head and neck.
Again though, the National Park Service notes that mountain lion attacks are rare, and most lions will avoid people if given the opportunity.
Anyone who sees a mountain lion in the area is encouraged to report the sighting to Fortuna Police.
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Short Version; Treat it like a bar fight.
Fifty-Two years ago, I saw a pink panther in Willow Creek.
54 years ago, I saw a pink panther at the Minor Theater.
15 years ago Pink panther was canceled after they found him with a minor in a creek behind the theater that’s next to the willow tree.
Did you also hear a tenor saxophone playing in the background?
Sadly I think the earthlings are culling these noble creatures, I fear these poor cubs are doomed. What do you think Snarf?
-Snarf Snarfffff-
Fighting a full-grown mountain line is a complete losing battle. These cats are extremely strong and can bring down a deer with no problem. I don’t encourage anyone to throw sticks, rocks, limbs, backpacks, etc., at the animal. If you hit it, you probably will be until attack. Slowly backing away is one option until the animal is out of sight. Don’t run as the cat will chase you. I carry a concealed firearm where legal and a fair size knife if I am in a firearms restricted area. For more good information on mountain lions contact your local CDFW office.
Cougars come in all 3 colors like Labradors. Yellow, Chocolate and black. Haven’t seen black although friends have shared stories. The chocolate was beautiful.
I suppose this is possible but none of the mountain lions I’ve seen over the years here were anything but tawny. Nothing close to brown much less chocolate like a lab. Some m8ght have had a brownish shading on their top lines. Do you have any photos.
Geneticists will tell you there is no gene to allow for a black phase in a cougar.
Saw a very deep chocolate on the ranch numerous times. Was black, with a dark brown skull cap.
Yabut. My buddy and I were on a big ranch. The cougar was 25 yards away stalking deer. Didn’t have a camera. Wish I did. Solid chocolate cat. My first experience witnessing a chocolate and had 5 minutes of a wildlife moment.
That sounds amazing!