A Laboratory employee at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center at Technical Area 53 came within 10 or 15 feet of a mountain lion and her cub Wednesday afternoon. Fish and wildlife experts encourage joggers, hikers, or other employees who work outside to be careful this time of year.
Many animals are raising their young during this time of year, and encounters could quickly escalate to a dangerous situation for Laboratory employees.
Employees are reminded that the mountainous environment around the Lab also is habitat for mountain lions, black bears, elk, and deer. Any species of wildlife may become aggressive if they feel their young are threatened.
Mountain lions are quiet, solitary and elusive, and typically avoid people. Mountain lion attacks on humans are extremely rare. The following are suggestions for outdoor activities especially during the wildlife nursery season:
• 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.
• If attacked, fight back.
