Mountain Lion Attacks, Kills Family Dog

A Stallion Springs family is grieving after a mountain lion attacked and killed their family dog around 3 a.m on March 18th. This comes nearly 5 weeks after a similar incident involving a full grown German Sheppard was attacked and later died from the injuries. 

Stallion Springs residents who spoke with 23ABC today say they are nervous about the attack. A grandmother  says she is hesitant to allow her two young grandchildren to go on her trampoline in her backyard by themselves. 

Chief Michael Grant of Stallion Springs advises residents to have sustained supervision on children at all times, but also says attacks on humans are extremely rare. 

One of the most helpful tips California Dept. of Fish and Wildlife officials suggest is to avoid feeding deer. Deer are traditional prey for mountain lions, and will increase the chances of having an encounter. 

Mountain lions are quiet, solitary and elusive, and typically avoid people. Mountain lion attacks on humans are extremely rare. However, conflicts are increasing as California’s human population expands into mountain lion habitat.

Additional Safety Tips Include:

• Do not hike, bike, or jog alone.

• Avoid hiking or jogging when mountain lions are most active – dawn, dusk, and at night.

• Keep a close watch on small children.

• Do not approach a mountain lion.

• 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.

• If attacked, fight back.

• If a mountain lion attacks a person, immediately call 911.

You can find more helpful safety information on the Fish and Game website by clicking here.