Residents of McCrea Road in Cloverdale recently contacted County officials regarding sightings of a mountain lion in and around Cloverdale River Park.

According the Fish and Game publication Living with California Mountain Lions, "about half of California is prime mountain lion country. These large, powerful predators have always lived here, preying on deer and other wildlife, and play an important role in the ecosystem." "People who live in or visit mountain lion habitat have a responsibility to the wildlife whose habitat they share…so that we can coexist with these magnificent animals."

Generally, mountain lions are calm, quiet and elusive. They usually hunt alone, at night. Their generally secretive and solitary nature is what makes it possible for humans to live in mountain lion country without ever seeing one. However, due to more people moving into and/or using trails in their habitat, the number of mountain lion/human interactions has increased.

The public is encouraged to take extra precautions while visiting the park:

• Do not hike in the park alone. Go in groups, with adults supervising children.
• Keep children close to you and within your sight at all times.
• Keep pets on leash at all times.
• DO NOT approach a mountain lion. Most mountain lions will try to avoid a confrontation. Give them a way to escape.
• Do not run from a mountain lion. Running may stimulate its instinct to chase. Instead, stand and face the animal. Make eye contact. If you have small children, pick them up so they don't panic and run.
• Do not crouch down or bend over. It is thought that a human standing up is just not the right size for a mountain lion's prey.