29 replies to this topic

[rpo]

There have only been 15 attacks in California since 1890. Everyone should quit worrying! It is not good for your health. More Californians die EACH DAY in auto accidents than have died in 122 years from mountain lions.

[Steve Heard]

I just can't honestly see a mountain lion going after a cyclist.

A mountain lion was shot and killed after it attacked two bicyclists in an Orange County park, critically injuring one woman in what authorities said was the 13th such incident in California since 1890.

The 2-year-old male cat may also have mauled to death a man whose body was found nearby, said Steve Martarano, a spokesman for the California Fish and Game Department.

Throughout the night, sheriffs and wildlife officials searched from the air and armed themselves with rifles on the ground in their hunt for the mountain lion, reports Joel Connable of CBS station KCBS. Just after 8:30 p.m., they found it. They shot it and killed it. They're testing it to make sure this is actually the cat involved in the attack on the cyclists.

"We are pretty confident that this lion was responsible for the attack (on the bikers)," Martarano said.

The attack on the bikers occurred shortly after 4:30 p.m. Thursday in Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park when the mountain lion pounced on a woman who was riding a bicycle with her friend, said Orange County Fire Capt. Stephen Miller.

The lion grabbed Anne Hjelle, 30, by her head and began dragging her. Her friend, Debbie Nichols, screamed for help and grabbed the victim's legs in a struggle to free her.

"This mountain lion jumped on her back and started dragging her," Nichols said. "He dragged us down ... about 100 yards into the brush and I just kept screaming. This guy would not let go. He had a hold of her face."

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/01/09/national/main592433.shtml

[rpo]

A mountain lion was shot and killed after it attacked two bicyclists in an Orange County park, critically injuring one woman in what authorities said was the 13th such incident in California since 1890.

The 2-year-old male cat may also have mauled to death a man whose body was found nearby, said Steve Martarano, a spokesman for the California Fish and Game Department.

Throughout the night, sheriffs and wildlife officials searched from the air and armed themselves with rifles on the ground in their hunt for the mountain lion, reports Joel Connable of CBS station KCBS. Just after 8:30 p.m., they found it. They shot it and killed it. They're testing it to make sure this is actually the cat involved in the attack on the cyclists.

"We are pretty confident that this lion was responsible for the attack (on the bikers)," Martarano said.

The attack on the bikers occurred shortly after 4:30 p.m. Thursday in Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park when the mountain lion pounced on a woman who was riding a bicycle with her friend, said Orange County Fire Capt. Stephen Miller.

The lion grabbed Anne Hjelle, 30, by her head and began dragging her. Her friend, Debbie Nichols, screamed for help and grabbed the victim's legs in a struggle to free her.

"This mountain lion jumped on her back and started dragging her," Nichols said. "He dragged us down ... about 100 yards into the brush and I just kept screaming. This guy would not let go. He had a hold of her face."

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/01/09/national/main592433.shtml

There has just been one incident where a mountain lion attacked bicyclist in 122 years. Not a big deal at all.....

[firemedic238]

Im more afraid of being hit by lighting while hiking then a Mountion lion attack. If your in country or woods,its the risk you take, your in their hood.

[ducky]

There has just been one incident where a mountain lion attacked bicyclist in 122 years. Not a big deal at all.....

Not a big deal... unless you are the "one." Also, I believe the low number is only fatalities, not attacks.

I agree it won't keep me from using the trails. I'm just more aware. I follow my instincts. If it feels like something is watching you, something probably is, but it's probably just a squirrel.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16817149/ns/us_news-life/t/when-mountain-lion-attacks-spouse-fights-back/#.TxOtfG_pGWQ

http://www.cougarinfo.org/attacks2.htm

[rpo]

Not a big deal... unless you are the "one." Also, I believe the low number is only fatalities, not attacks.

I agree it won't keep me from using the trails. I'm just more aware. I follow my instincts. If it feels like something is watching you, something probably is, but it's probably just a squirrel.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16817149/ns/us_news-life/t/when-mountain-lion-attacks-spouse-fights-back/#.TxOtfG_pGWQ

http://www.cougarinfo.org/attacks2.htm

It was not attacks. It was fatalities in California over 122 years.

Oh, and beware of those squirrels!

[chris v]

I've done a lot of hiking in the last year and have seen some very large kitty prints up in the mountains. Still did what I needed to do and didn't worry too much. I always carry a gun and other things just in case. The gun is also in case I wander upon a farm out there with an angry farmer.

[dimeracer]

There has just been one incident where a mountain lion attacked bicyclist in 122 years. Not a big deal at all.....

Uh huh. A mountain lion encounter on the bike trail would scare the crap out of me.

[cw68]

I've done a lot of hiking in the last year and have seen some very large kitty prints up in the mountains. Still did what I needed to do and didn't worry too much. I always carry a gun and other things just in case. The gun is also in case I wander upon a farm out there with an angry farmer.

I don't carry a gun, but I did buy a collapsible walking stick to carry with me. When not in use, I collapse it and attach it to my pack in an easily accessible spot. This way I can grab it and use it for protection if needed. (can hit mtn lions and strange people)

[nomad]

There is basically zero chance of being attacked by a mountain lion, so there is no need to worry or change your behavior.

Well your zero chance theory seems to be incorrect. Didn't happen here but it still can happen.

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/02/08/texas-boy-6-reportedly-snatched-by-mountain-lion-at-big-bend-national-park/

[rpo]

Well your zero chance theory seems to be incorrect. Didn't happen here but it still can happen.

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/02/08/texas-boy-6-reportedly-snatched-by-mountain-lion-at-big-bend-national-park/

"basically" zero chance. You missed the word "basically". You are many times more likely to win the Super Lotto than be attacked by a mountain lion....hence the word "basically".

[chris v]

It attacked a 6 year old which is an ideal target for cats. I still don't think it would have happened if it was all adults.

[Homer]

"basically" zero chance. You missed the word "basically". You are many times more likely to win the Super Lotto than be attacked by a mountain lion....hence the word "basically".

I agree the chances of being attacked by a mountain lion are low, But when the cats start going into populated areas and become more accustom to being around people the chanches increase a little.

[tony]

I don't carry a gun, but I did buy a collapsible walking stick to carry with me. When not in use, I collapse it and attach it to my pack in an easily accessible spot. This way I can grab it and use it for protection if needed. (can hit mtn lions and strange people)

Yes, not zero, but if you've ever been to Big Bend NP, you would know that it is extremely isolated and prime mt lion territory (and rattlesnake as well). I recall serious warnings about mt lions in the park. But even so, the risk of dying in a car crash getting to the park far outweigh the risks from the predators in the park.

[rpo]

I agree the chances of being attacked by a mountain lion are low, But when the cats start going into populated areas and become more accustom to being around people the chanches increase a little.

I think it is mostly us that are developing into the mountain lions territory and not the other way around. We cannot simply except wildlife will always move onto another rural location when such locations are disappearing.