MOUNTAIN LIONS IN THE MANOR? ... February 2019
The Monument Manor Neighborhood Association (MMNA) was made aware of possible Mountain Lion tracks in the Manor. Above is a photo taken by a neighbor. No actual reported sighting of a mountain lion accompanied this track. And, it is also important to remember that this has not been confirmed to be a mountain lion track. Most people in our community are aware that there have been reported mountain lion sightings in the neighborhood in the past.
Mountain lions are known to live in the wildland areas around us, and although it is unusual for them to enter developed areas, even rural ones, it does occasionally happen. If you do see one and it exhibits unusual or aggressive behavior, the authority to contact is the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (909) 484-0167. Many residents of the Manor are very familiar with the different types of wildlife species in our area, but it is not uncommon, even for experienced observers to mistake bobcats and other wildlife for them, especially in low light and dense cover situations. One helpful identifier, other than the much larger size of mountain lions, is the tail. Bobcats have fairly long tails, about five inches, but by contrast, mountain lion tails are 30-36 inches.
Please remember to be extra cautious with your pets.
Important information on identification of bobcats and mountain lions:
SIZE
- Bobcats are about 30 inches long and weigh between 15 to 35 pounds.
- Mountain lions are usually 52 to 54 inches long and weigh between 100 and 175 pounds.
TAIL
- Bobcats have a short bobtail that’s about five inches long.
- Mountain lions have a long and cylindrical tail with a dark tip. The tail is usually 30 to 36 inches long.
EARS
- Bobcats have tufted ears, where hair sticks up from the top of the ear.
COLOR
- Bobcats are an orangish color and have black spots.
- Mountain lions are uniform in color and have a tawny coloration (a tan orangish-brownish color).
Learn more at Mountain Lion Foundation.