Date:    May 17, 2004
Contact:  Captain Torin Fischer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                      Phone Number: 650/743-9915

The Palo Alto Police Department received two phone reports of mountain
lion sightings this morning.  The first sighting was reported at 4:45
a.m. in the 500 block of Coleridge and the second at 5:40 a.m. near the
intersection of Cedar and Parkinson.
>> Addition by moderator: the 500 block of Coleridge is between Cowper
>> and Webster, just SSW of the Embarcadero-Middlefield intersection.
>> Cedar and Parkinson is just north of the intersection
>> (and of Rinconada Park).

Officers are currently conducting a search of the neighborhoods and a 
California Highway Patrol fixed wing aircraft is assisting them.  Palo 
Alto Animal Services personnel are also responding and have requested 
assistance from U.S. Fish and Game.

Palo Alto Unified School District personnel have been notified and 
officers will be patrolling in and around the school campuses in the 
area.

The following are tips related to Mountain Lion safety:

Do not walk alone.  Make plenty of noise to reduce your chances of 
surprising a mountain lion.  Go in groups, with adults supervising 
children.  A sturdy walking stick is a good idea as you can use it to 
ward off a mountain lion.

Keep children close to you.  

Do NOT run from a mountain lion.  Back away from it slowly, but only if 
you can do so safety.  Running may stimulate a mountain lion's instinct 
to chase and attack.  Face the mountain lion and stand upright.  If you 
have small children with you, pick them up so they won't panic and run.  
It may seem awkward, but pick them up without bending over or turning 
away from the mountain lion.

Do not bend or crouch over; do all you can to appear larger.  A person 
squatting or bending over looks a lot like a four-legged prey animal.  
Raise your arms.  Open your jacket, if you're wearing one.  Throw 
stones, branches, or whatever you can grab without crouching down or 
turning your back.  Wave your arms slowly and speak firmly in a "large" 
voice.

Press Release, Page Two					 May 17, 2004

Do not approach a mountain lion.  Most mountain lions will try to avoid 
confrontation.  Give them a way to escape.

Fight back if attacked.  Try to stay on your feet if a mountain lion 
attacks you.  They have been driven off by prey that fights back.  Some 
hikers have fought back successfully with sticks, caps, jackets, garden 
tools, and their bare hands. 

If you live in an area populated by mountain lions, you may reduce your 
chances of encountering one.

Don't feed wildlife.  By feeding deer, raccoons or other wildlife in 
your yard, you will inadvertently attract mountain lions, which prey 
upon them.

Deer-proof your landscape.  Avoid using plants that deer prefer to eat.

Landscape for safety.  Remove dense and/or low-lying vegetation that 
would provide good hiding places for mountain lions, especially around 
children's play areas.  Make it difficult for a mountain lion to 
approach your yard unseen.

Install outdoor lighting.  Keep the perimeter of your house well lit at 
night.

Keep pets secure.  Roaming pets are easy prey for a hungry mountain 
lion.  Either bring pets inside or keep them in a kennel with a secure 
top.  Don't feed pets outside.

Immediately report all encounters or attacks by calling 9-1-1 and 
contact the California Department of Fish and Game.