The Nevada Department of Wildlife has confirmed multiple mountain lion sightings in the Carson City area. “The most recent was reported on Saturday, Sept. 10, by a resident who spotted a mountain lion in their backyard in the Lakeview area,” NDOW Public Information Officer Ashley Sanchez said by email. “We have not confirmed that all sightings are the same mountain lion, and we are monitoring the situation.” Sanchez said the Lakeview neighborhood is located at the wildland-urban interface, “where it is common to see wildlife activity, especially from deer, which attracts mountain lions.” Sanchez said these are reports coming from neighbors. “We have not tagged these mountain lions,” she said. “These were sightings that were reported to us.” The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture is also helping with the investigation, Sanchez said. She encouraged residents to take some simple precautions. According to NDOW, residents should remove anything from their property that can attract deer, like birdseed, pet food or fallen fruit. Motion-activated lights can scare away lions. Most lions try to avoid confrontation. Still, humans should not try to run away near a lion. “Do all that you can to appear larger,” NDOW says. “Raise your arms. Open your jacket if you’re wearing one. If you have small children with you, protect them by picking them up so they won’t panic and run.” In the rare event a lion attacks, NDOW recommends fighting back. “Lions have been driven away by prey that fights back,” NDOW says. “People have fought back with rocks, sticks, caps or jackets, garden tools, and their bare hands successfully. Remain standing or try to get back up.” For information, visit https://www.ndow.org/blog/living-with-mountain-lions/
