MOUNTAIN LION REPORTEDLY RELOCATED AFTER ATTACKS ON LIVESTOCK IN JAPATUL/CARVEACRE; SECOND LION SEEN IN AREA

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By Miriam Raftery

June 1, 2013 (Japatul) – Following a series of attacks on livestock in the Japatul/Carveacre area east of Alpine,  a mountain lion has been captured and relocated by state Fish and Game authorities, according to Lori Briggs.

 However, she indicated that a Fish and Game official advised that “there is a another lion very close.”  Although lions are elusive and rarely seen, residents should be aware and take precautions to protect children and domestic animals in the area.

 Briggs posted on the Alpine Network that a goat on her property was attacked at night on May 29 by a large animal that leaped over a 7 foot fence.  Other animals were recently killed nearby and a mountain lion was seen by witnesses, she reported.

One option for dissuading mountain lions or coyotes is to install a “coyote roller” priced at about $7 a linear foot to dissuade lions or coyotes from entering your yard, though a large cat can jump over if the fence is not tall enough.  Another option is to enclose livestock such as chickens inside a chain link pen, ideally with a roof on top. Keep pets indoors at night and don't allow small children outside unattended.

 When food sources are kept inaccessible, the likelihood of an encounter is remote.  Mountain lions typically prefer hunting wild game, however when food is scarce they may resort to snatching livestock or pets. Killing a mountain lion is illegal under California law. Should a mountain lion, also called a puma, be found to pose a serious risk, the animal can be relocated by Fish and Game officers. If no relocation area can be found or a lion returns to cause additional problems, it may be shot or placed in captivity, so calling officials should be a last resort only if other options have failed.


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