Glendora remains on cougar alert

Residents of Glendora remain on alert after last week's apparent near-miss attack by a mountain lion on a cyclist traveling south on Glendora Mountain Road near mile-marker 930.
The incident occurred at dusk on Aug 25. An adult male cyclist was traveling downhill at about 20 mph when the predator appears to have vaulted down a steep embankment in an attempt to attack him.
Kevin Brennan, a biologist for the state Department of Fish and Game, said in an interview Wednesday that the cyclist saw the cougar behind him first to his left, then to his right, "then he peddled as fast as he could to get out of there."
The incident was not reported until 24 hours afterward and hot, dry weather made tracking the animal with hounds impossible because the heat had removed the scent. Brennan did see paw prints, though, and said they were from either a yearling or full-grown adult.
Had a DFG team been put on this predator's track sooner, it likely would have been cornered and killed because of its aggressive behavior so close to civilization.
There have been no reported incidents since. Mountain lions have a very large home range--up to 200 miles for adult males--and this one has extensive Angeles National Forest wilderness in which to roam, so it is hoped this was merely a case of the cyclist being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
But bikers and hikers are urged to exercise extreme caution, and Brennan suggests resident follow these guidelines:
--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 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.

For information about coexisting with mountain lions, visit the DFG's Keep Me Wild website.

--Pete Thomas

Photo credit: Associated Press