Date: Mon, 28 Mar 2005 20:01:47 -0800
To: (Recipient list suppressed)
From: Centerwide Announcement CenterWide@arcwmail.arc.nasa.gov
Reply-To: Centerwide Announcement CenterWide@arcwmail.arc.nasa.gov
Subject: Unconfirmed Mountain Lion Sighting on ARC

To: Resident Staff

From: Sandy Olliges, Deputy Director, Safety, Environmental and Mission Assurance

Subject: Unconfirmed Mountain Lion Sighting on ARC

On March 23, 2005 at 12:45 a.m., there was an unconfirmed sighting of mountain lions on the east side of the Ames Research Center near the golf course. In recent years there have been confirmed sightings of mountain lions in the Palo Alto area. Although the likelihood of a mountain lion attack is less than being struck by lightening, it is wise to be prepared for such an encounter. The California Department of Fish and Game has several suggestions:

DO NOT HIKE ALONE: Go in groups, with adults supervising children.

KEEP CHILDREN CLOSE TO YOU: Observations of captured wild mountain lions reveal that the animals seem especially drawn to children. Keep children within your sight at all times.

DO NOT APPROACH A LION: Most mountain lions will try to avoid a confrontation. Give them a way to escape.

DO NOT RUN FROM A LION: Running may stimulate a mountain lion's instinct to chase. Instead, stand and face the animal. Make eye contact.

DO ALL YOU CAN TO APPEAR LARGER: Raise your arms. Open your jacket if you are wearing one. Throw stones and branches or other objects. Wave your arms slowly and speak firmly in a loud voice.

FIGHT BACK IF ATTACKED: People have fought back successfully with rocks, sticks and bare hands.

News from Commercial Space Watch