Mountain lion sightings prompt safety measures at Stulsaft Park

Recent reports of mountain lion sightings at Stulsaft Park have prompted Redwood City’s Parks, Recreation & Community Services to issue a warning and call for community vigilance.

Park visitors are urged to report any sightings of mountain lions to Redwood City park officials. According to city officials, “recent evidence of mountain lion activity” has been found in the park.

Staff are actively updating park entrance signs with timestamped notices to keep visitors informed.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to immediately report any mountain lion sightings by calling the Parks Department at 650-780-7250 or by emailing parks@redwoodcity.org.

The city has also provided tips on dealing with mountain lions if spotted in any Redwood City park.

What To Do If You Encounter a Mountain Lion

• STEP 1: Avoid hiking alone, especially between dusk and dawn, when lions are most active.
• STEP 2: Make a lot of noise when hiking so you won’t surprise a lion.
• STEP 3: Keep children close when hiking in mountain lion country; most mountain lion attacks are made against children.
• STEP 4: Keep pets on leashes while hiking.
• STEP 5: Avoid approaching a mountain lion if you see one in the distance – it may just be curious about you. Most lions avoid confrontation, so give it an opportunity to slip away.
• STEP 6: Be prepared for a possible attack if a mountain lion is nearby, staring at you aggressively and crouching or hiding.
• STEP 7: Stay calm and don’t run if you’re faced with a possible attack. Take out any weapons or deterrents (such as pepper spray), or look around for rocks and sticks.
• STEP 8: Raise your hands or hold things above your head to make yourself appear larger. Pick children up off the ground, but don’t crouch or bend over if you can help it.
• STEP 9: Talk or yell loudly and slowly back away, maintaining eye contact with the mountain lion.
• STEP 10: Fight back aggressively with weapons and deterrents if you’re attacked, all the while trying to remain standing.

According to The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, mountain lions, also known as cougars or pumas, primarily hunt deer but also prey on smaller animals and occasionally domestic pets and livestock. More than half of California, particularly the undeveloped areas of San Mateo and Santa Clara counties, provides prime habitat for these specially protected species. They are a protected species.