June 11, 1997

To: The campus community
From: R. Michael Tanner, Executive Vice Chancellor
Re: Mountain lion notice

On Tuesday, June 3, a partially consumed deer carcass was found very near a hiking trail in the ravine between Social Sciences 1 and Chinquapin Rd. Yesterday, Diane Gifford-Gonzalez, professor of anthropology and animal forensics expert, confirmed that the deer was killed by a mountain lion.

This event serves to remind us that most of our campus is situated in mountain lion habitat. Therefore, when you are in the woods, it is prudent to recall the following safety precautions advised by the Department of Fish and Game:

1. Do not hike or jog alone in the woods, especially at night, at twilight, in late evening, or in the early morning hours.

2. If you do encounter a lion, the Department of Fish and Game suggests you take the following actions:
   • STOP! DO NOT RUN FROM A LION. Back away from it slowly, but only if you can do so safely. Running may stimulate a lion's instinct to chase and attack. Face the lion and stand upright.

   • STAY CALM when you come upon a lion. Talk calmly, yet firmly to it.

   • DO NOT APPROACH A LION, especially one that is feeding or with kittens. Most mountain lions will try to avoid confrontation. Give them a way to escape.

   • DO NOT JOG OR HIKE ALONE. Make plenty of noise to reduce your chances of surprising a lion. A sturdy walking stick is a good idea: you can use it to ward off a lion.

   • KEEP CHILDREN CLOSE TO YOU, making sure they are always within your sight. Talk to them about lions and tell them what to do if they meet one.

   • DO NOT CROUCH OR BEND OVER; DO ALL YOU CAN TO APPEAR LARGER. Raise your arms. Open your jacket if you're wearing one. If you have small children with you, pick them up so they won't panic and run.

   • IF THE LION BEHAVES AGGRESSIVELY, throw stones, branches, or whatever you can grab without crouching or turning your back.

   • FIGHT BACK and try to stay on your feet if a lion attacks you. Lions have been driven off by prey that fights back!

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