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Child attacked by mountain lion in unincorporated San Mateo County

California fish and wildlife officials launch investigation

A mountain lion in an undated photo at Lake Mead National Recreation Area located east of Las Vegas in Nevada. Courtesy National Park Service.

A child was attacked by a mountain lion in unincorporated San Mateo County, the Sheriff's Office announced on Tuesday.

Deputies were dispatched to the 1000 block of Tunitas Creek Road on the report of a mountain lion attack. A child was transported to a local trauma center after the attack, the department said.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife is actively investigating the incident.

Mountain lion sightings are rare, according to San Mateo County Parks, but if anyone who encounters one, they should try to make themselves look as big and imposing as possible. People can wave their arms or coat and shout, according to the San Mateo County Parks safety guide.

The public should also maintain eye contact with the mountain lion and avoid crouching down. People can also reach for any sticks and stones without bending down, then throw them at the cat. Small children and pets should also be picked up. If the mountain lion attacks, people should fight back, the parks department advises.

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Any sightings should be reported to park rangers. Anyone who witnesses dangerous behavior is advised to contact the California Department of Fish and Wildlife at apps.wildlife.ca.gov/wir.

For more information on mountain lions and other potential hazards in local open spaces, visit smcgov.org/parks/be-aware.

This is a developing story.

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Palo Alto Weekly reporter Zoe Morgan contributed to this report.

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Child attacked by mountain lion in unincorporated San Mateo County

California fish and wildlife officials launch investigation

by Bay City News Service /

Uploaded: Thu, Feb 2, 2023, 11:29 am

A child was attacked by a mountain lion in unincorporated San Mateo County, the Sheriff's Office announced on Tuesday.

Deputies were dispatched to the 1000 block of Tunitas Creek Road on the report of a mountain lion attack. A child was transported to a local trauma center after the attack, the department said.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife is actively investigating the incident.

Mountain lion sightings are rare, according to San Mateo County Parks, but if anyone who encounters one, they should try to make themselves look as big and imposing as possible. People can wave their arms or coat and shout, according to the San Mateo County Parks safety guide.

The public should also maintain eye contact with the mountain lion and avoid crouching down. People can also reach for any sticks and stones without bending down, then throw them at the cat. Small children and pets should also be picked up. If the mountain lion attacks, people should fight back, the parks department advises.

Any sightings should be reported to park rangers. Anyone who witnesses dangerous behavior is advised to contact the California Department of Fish and Wildlife at apps.wildlife.ca.gov/wir.

For more information on mountain lions and other potential hazards in local open spaces, visit smcgov.org/parks/be-aware.

This is a developing story.

Palo Alto Weekly reporter Zoe Morgan contributed to this report.

Comments

roaksinri
Registered user
another community
on Feb 2, 2023 at 3:06 pm
roaksinri, another community
Registered user
on Feb 2, 2023 at 3:06 pm

[Post removed due to disrespectful comment or offensive language]


Bernie Brightman
Registered user
Whisman Station
on Feb 3, 2023 at 9:56 am
Bernie Brightman, Whisman Station
Registered user
on Feb 3, 2023 at 9:56 am

How is the poor child? That information is not worthy of being reported?


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