A Hillsborough resident recently discovered two mountain lions sharing a meal of fresh deer on their property in the 1400 block of Marlborough Road. As if this surprise backyard gathering wasn't eye-catching enough, the mountain lion duo had a den of cubs nearby, according to one of the resident's neighbors.
Mountain lions are known to inhabit the green belt areas surrounding Hillsborough, as highlighted on Hillsborough Police Department's (HPD) Facebook post. These agile creatures typically keep to themselves and shy away from human contact, making their backyard escapades all the more striking to the Hillsborough community. With deer being their primary prey of choice, it's not uncommon to find these large cats on the prowl, patrolling their territory in search of their next hearty meal.
In light of these recent sightings, the HPD strongly encourages residents living adjacent to such rural and wooded areas to exercise extra care, especially when it comes to their smaller, four-legged family members. Keeping pets indoors at all times, particularly during the hours of dawn, dusk, and evening, is essential for ensuring their safety and well-being, as even the largest dogs and cats can easily become prey for hungry mountain lions.
Here are some key safety tips provided by HPD in their Facebook post for those who call these wild neighborhoods home:
- Do not feed deer, as it is illegal in California and can attract more mountain lions.
- Never approach a mountain lion, especially if it's feeding or with its cubs. They prefer avoiding confrontation if possible.
- Avoid hiking or jogging in wooded areas during times when mountain lions are most active, such as dawn, dusk, or nighttime hours.
- Keep a close eye on small children while outdoors, especially if exploring wooded areas.
- If you do encounter a mountain lion, don't run. Instead, face the animal, make noise, and try to look bigger by waving your arms. Throwing rocks or other objects may also help deter the curious cat, as well as picking up small children.
While dramatic encounters with mountain lions remain rare in Hillsborough, it is important to stay vigilant.
For further information about living alongside mountain lions and keeping yourself, your family, and your pets safe, you can visit the Keep Me Wild website, an informative resource endorsed by the HPD.
