Much of Nevada is prime mountain lion country. This simple fact is a surprise to many residents and visitors. These large, powerful predators have always lived here, preying primarily on deer and playing an important role in the ecosystem.

You may live on or recreate in lion country. Like any wildlife, mountain lions can be dangerous. With a better understanding of mountain lions and their habitat, you can coexist with these magnificent animals.

• What to Do if You Live in Lion Country
  
• What to do if you Meet a Mountain Lion
  
• Who Do You Call?

What To Do If You Live In Mountain Lion Country

Download this brochure to learn more!

We can live with these incredibly efficient predators if we respect mountain lions and their habitat. To reduce the risk of problems with mountain lions on or near your property, we urge you to follow these simple precautions:

• Make lots of noise if you come and go during the times mountain lions are active, dusk to dawn.
  
  
• Install outside lighting.Light areas where you walk so you could see a lion if one were present.
  
  
• Closely supervise children whenever they play outdoors. Make sure children are inside before dusk and not outside before dawn. Talk with children about lions and teach them what to do if they meet one.
  
  
• Landscape or remove vegetation to eliminate hiding places for lions, especially around children's play areas. Make it difficult for lions to approach unseen.
  
  
• When landscaping, be aware that deer and other wildlife often prefer to eat non-native shrubs and plant. Predators follow prey. DON'T FEED ANY WILDLIFE.
  
  
• Keep your pet under control. Roaming pets are easy prey and can attract lions. Bring pets in at night. If you leave your pet outside, keep it in a kennel with a secure top.
  
  
• Don't feed pets outside; this scan attract raccoons and other animals eaten by lions. Store all garbage securely.
  
  
• Place livestock in enclosed sheds or barns at night. Close doors to all outbuildings since inquisitive lions may go inside for a look.
  
  
• Encourage your neighbors to follow these simple precautions. Prevention is far better than a possible lion confrontation.

 

What To Do If You Meet a Mountain Lion

People rarely get more than a brief glimpse of a mountain lion in the wild. Lion attacks on people are rare, with fewer than a dozen fatalities in North America in more than 100 years. Most of the attacks were by young lions, perhaps forced out to hunt on their own and not yet living in established areas. Young lions may key on easy prey, like pets and small children.

The public should not be overly concerned if they see a mountain lion in an urban area, but they should immediately notify their nearest Nevada Department of Wildlife office or their local law enforcement agency.

No studies have been done to learn what to do if you meet a lion. But, based on observations by people who have come upon lions, some patterns of behaviors and response are beginning to emerge. Therefore the following suggestions may be helpful. Remember: every situation is different with respect to the lion, the terrain, the people and their activity.

• DO NOT JOG OR BIKE IN AREAS KNOW TO HAVE MOUNTAIN LIONS or where lions have recently been seen. These activities are known to induce a mountain lions predatory instinct to attack. If these activities are undertaken it is recommended that the person be accompanied by a large breed dog.
  
  
• GO IN GROUPS and MAKE PLENTY OF NOISE to reduce your chances of surprising a lion, when you walk or hike in mountain lion country. A sturdy walking stick is a good idea; it can be used to ward off a lion.
  
  
• KEEP CHILDREN CLOSE TO YOU and within your sight at all times. Talk with children about lions and teach them what to do if they meet one.
  
  
• DO NOT APPROACH A LION, especially one that is feeding or with kittens. Most mountain lions will try to avoid a confrontation. Give them a way to escape.
  
  
• STAY CALM when you come upon a lion. Talk calmly yet firmly to it. Move slowly.
  
  
• STOP OR BACK AWAY SLOWLY, if you can do it safely. Running may stimulate a lion's instinct to chase and attack. Face the lion and stand upright.
  
  
• DO ALL YOU CAN TO APPEAR LARGER. Raise your arms. Open your jacket if you are wearing one. If you have small children, protect them by picking them up so they won't panic and run.
  
  
• If the lion behaves aggressively, THROW STONES, BRANCHES or WHATEVER YOU CAN GET YOUR HANDS ON without crouching down or turning your back. Wave your arms slowly and speak firmly. Your goal is to convince the lion that you are NOT prey and that you may be a danger to the lion.
  
  
• FIGHT BACK if a lion attacks you. Lions have been driven away by prey that fights back. People have fought back with rocks, sticks, caps or jackets, garden tools and their bare hands successfully. Remain standing or try to get backup!
  

Who Do You Call?

The Nevada Department of Wildlife is responsible for managing, conserving and protecting wildlife. Your concerns abut wildlife are our concerns as well.

If you have an encounter with a lion or an attack occurs, contact the Department of Wildlife's Dispatch office at (775) 688-1331 or (775) 688-1332. If for any reason you are unable to contact dispatch, please contact your local police or sherrif's office, or the Nevada Highway Patrol, and ask them to reach one of our wardens.