A mountain lion has been spotted on the UC Berkeley campus on Monday afternoon, police said.
A UC employee saw the big cat at around 3:15 p.m. as he was walking on Sports Lane near the south side of Building 22.
The mountain lion was not aggressive and didn’t move, police said. The employee backed away until the mountain lion left the area.
Police searched the area but did not find the big cat.
Since deer are a major food source for mountain lions, sightings have happened in the hills above Berkeley, along with dead deer believed to be attacked by the big cats.
RESOURCES:
To reduce the chances of encountering a Mountain Lion:
- Avoid hiking or jogging alone, especially between dusk and dawn, when lions normally do their hunting. Make plenty of noise while you hike so as to reduce the chances of surprising a lion.
- Always keep children and pets in sight while hiking and within arms reach in areas that can conceal a lion.
- Hike with a good walking stick; this can be useful in warding off a lion.
To reduce the chances of an attack when encountering a Mountain Lion:
- Do not approach a lion, especially if it is feeding or with its young. Most lions will avoid confrontation. Give them a way to escape.
- If you encounter a mountain lion, do not run; instead, face the animal, make noise and try to look bigger by waving your arms; throw rocks or other objects. Pick up small children
- Fight back if attacked. Since a mountain lion usually tries to bite the head or neck, try to remain standing and face the attacking animal. People have successfully fought back with rocks, sticks, or bare hands.
- If a mountain lion attacks a person, immediately call 911.