Mountain Lion Seen in El Granada's Quarry Park

A mountain lion was spotted in Quarry Park in El Granada on Monday, prompting authorities to warn the public to be on the lookout.

The cat was seen around 8:30 a.m. in the Quarry floor while a resident was walking her dog, according to Scott Lombardi, superintendent for the San Mateo County Department of Parks.

"The cat was not aggressive and clearly moving quickly away climbing the steep quarry hill so we have no idea if it was male or female," said Lombardi.

San Mateo County Department of Parks officials are warning residents to avoid confrontation with a mountain lion, especially one that is feeding or with offspring.

A sign posted at the trailhead next to the parking area of the park advises hikers and joggers to be "alert and aware when walking trails."
           
Mountain lions can be aggressive in the event of an encounter, so residents are advised to face the animal, make noise and try to appear larger in stature. Do not run from a mountain lion, as this might tempt the animal to give chase, according to the Office of Emergency Services.
           
Residents who live in mountain lion habitats are advised to avoid hiking or jogging at dawn, dusk or at night when the animals are most active.

The best resource on mountain lions that Steven Karlin, founder of Wildlife Associates based in Half Moon Bay, has found is www.mountainlion.org.

"Those of us who live here on the Coastside are privileged to hike, bike, and enjoy these wild open spaces with our families and friends," said Karlin. "To wild animals, these spaces are their home. Like us, they are concerned with finding food water and shelter and raising their families to the best of their abilities. From poison oak to mountain lions we need to educate ourselves about the animals and the natural spaces to keep our interactions with them as safe as possible."

Karlin recommends calling the State Department of Fish and Wildlife if you see a mountain lion and are concerned. San Mateo County Department of Parks officials suggest contacting San Pedro Valley Rangers at 650-355-8289 or the Rangers at Fitzgerald at 650-728-3584.