California's "Keep Me Wild" Campaign
Many wildlife species are indigenous to the wilderness areas and foothills of California, including insects, rodents, reptiles and mammals. Life-threatening encounters are extremely rare, but you should acquaint yourself with the creatures that were here long before the arrival of humans--and still call Santa Clarita 'home.'
Please follow our tips, and those on the Keep Me Wild website. Doing so will protect your family, pets, property--and the animals.
If you experience an attack by a wild animal, call 911. Contact the local sheriff (661-255-1121) or DFG office (858-467-4201) to report an animal that is behaving aggressively toward humans.
MOUNTAIN LIONS
Are there mountain lions in the SCV wilderness? Yes. Foothills and mountains are mountain lion habitat. Generally, if you see deer, you are in mountain lion territory, as deer are the main food source for mountain lions. However, the absence of deer does not mean the absence of mountain lions, as they can subsist on smaller animals. Mountain lions are typically solitary and elusive, and prefer to avoid humans. They often co-exist among people, unseen and unheard. But rarely, they do abandon their natural instincts and attack humans.
MOUNTAIN LION SIGHTINGS: On
May 22, 2009
a mountain lion was found dead on I-5, just south of Calgrove Road.
What can you do to be safe? First, understand that mountain lions are predatory animals; they tend to attack from behind and target the spine at the base of the skull. One theory, tested in Nepal with tigers, is to where a hat (or plastic Halloween-type mask) with a face on the back of your head. In a small study group, individuals wearing the masks were not attacked when tapping rubber trees, while the group without the masks did experience attacks.
Second, hike in groups. Make noise. Mountain lions typically prefer not to come in contact with humans.
Third, make yourself look as large as possible. When hiking, DO NOT CROUCH DOWN. PICK UP SMALL CHILDREN; mountain lions are drawn to children. If your property butts up against the foothills, do not leave children outdoors unattended.
Fourth, California's Dept. of Fish & Game recommends that if you see a lion, DO NOT APPROACH IT and DO NOT RUN. If you run, it will mistake you for prey. Face it standing--making noise and waving your arms. The objective is to look as large as possible. Fight back if attacked; do not play dead.
Is pepper spray effective? Perhaps. Understand there are two distinct types of pepper spray. The pepper spray marketed for humans pours out in a stream and requires you to face your attacker--an opportunity you may not have with a mountain lion. The type marketed for bear dispenses in a fog, which will undoubtedly affect you as well.
Download
"Living with California Mountain Lions"
Note: We've included photos of California bobcats, which are often confused with mountain lions.
COYOTES
They're cute, so you want to feed them, right? Don't do it; it's a fatal mistake. When you feed a coyote, you're teaching him that Humans=Food. He'll be back--for your scraps, pet, or small child. He's a wild animal and it's all just food to him. If you see coyotes in your neighborhood, let them know they are not welcome. Spray a garden hose at them, make loud noises, throw rocks. Send a clear message.
The greatest majority of attacks on humans occur between March through August, when the female is in gestation or has given birth. Male coyotes must forage for additional food resources. Keep in mind attacks occur outside of that window as well.
Take precautions: Do not leave trash in open containers or pet food out over night. Do not leave small children unattended, even in your yard. Do not leave dogs, even large dogs, out at night. Some coyotes seek cats in residential areas; bring yours in at night. Motion-activated sprinkler systems can help keep coyotes and other unwanted wildlife at bay.
Download
"Living with California Coyotes"
BEAR
Yes, believe it or not, there are bear in the mountain ranges here. Population densities are low, since it's not the best habitat for them, but they are here. Follow the same tips for preventing bear as you do for preventing coyotes: don't leave pet food out at night and secure your trash. Bears are extremely smart and adaptable to humans. Monrovia, only fifteen miles outside the City of Los Angeles, has a terrible bear problem; the bear have learned the trash pickup schedule and scour for food the night prior to pickup. Their strength is incredible and they are capable of enormous property damage.
BEAR SIGHTINGS: On
April 30, 2009
a bear was found dead in the slow lane of the I-5 southbound near McBean Parkway.
California's Dept. of Fish & Game recommends: If faced with a bear, do the same as you would if faced with a mountain lion: Do not run. Face it standing--making noise and waving your arms. The objective is to look as large as possible. Fight back if attacked.
Download
"Living with California Black Bear"
SNAKES, SPIDERS AND SCORPIONS
What are the dangers of living in the same environment as tarantulas, black widows, wolf spiders and rattlesnakes? Not as great as you might think. Read the details here:
Creepy Crawlies
ATTENTION PARENTS!
California's Dept. of Fish & Game recommends that you do not leave small children in your yard unattended--even if it is fenced in. Wildlife, such as coyotes, mountain lions and bear, cannot decipher between children and prey. A fenced-in yard is no barrier for our wildlife. Also, small children may see rattlesnakes and insects as something with which to play.
Please keep your children safe.
ARE YOU A PET OWNER?
You should be aware that letting your kitty or small dog outside could make him someone's evening snack. Numerous small animals are lost to Santa Clarita's wildlife every year. And, no, they are not safe in your fenced-in yard.
FURTHER READING
California Wildlife Services Online
USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
Living with Wildlife
