For Immediate Release
August 30, 2011

Mountain Lion Spotted Near Campus Tuesday Morning

Campus is considered safe but students, staff and faculty should be vigilant.

On Tuesday, Aug. 30 at 5 a.m. and again at 6:30 a.m. a Cañada College employee spotted a mountain lion at the north end of campus near Building 19 and in the canyon west of Building 13. This is the second mountain lion sighting near campus this year. The campus is considered safe but some precautions should be taken. If you see a mountain lion DO NOT APPROACH IT, especially one that is feeding or with offspring. Most mountain lions will try to avoid confrontation. Here are a few tips:

• Avoid hiking or jogging when mountain lions are most active—dawn, dusk, and at night.
• Keep a close watch on small children.
• 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.

For more information, contact Robert Hood, Director of Marketing and Public Relations, at hoodr@smccd.edu or 306-3340