Mountain Lions!!!

There are Mountain Lions in Des Moines Iowa!!  Yes…really.  On October 4^th, a mountain lion was shot and killed by Des Moines police in the back yard of a home on Columbia Street, just two blocks away from an elementary school about the time the kids would have been outside for recess.

Now you may be asking what does this have to do with a pet blog.  It got me to thinking what would a mountain lion be doing in such an urban populated area.  Are our pets safe?  So I did a little research. 

According to the Iowa DNR website (www.iowadnr.gov), mountain lion were eradicated by early pioneers.  In the late 1990’s they started receiving reports from people spotting mountain lions.  The first confirmed sighting was in midsummer 2001.  Bobcats and large yellow labs and shepherds are often mistaken for Mountain Lions.

The Iowa DNR is trying to place Mountain Lions and Black Bears on the Iowa Code as designated wildlife species.  They are not currently because they were thought to be eradicated from Iowa.  Until the sightings in the late 1990’s, the last reported sighting in Iowa was in 1867 when one was shot in Appanoose County. 

Mountain Lions can live 12-20 years, but not many live past 12.  Female lions have an average ‘home’ range of 90 miles.  Male lions however have a range of 300 miles.  Their food of choice are small mammals and deer.  Given the opportunity, they will go after small mammals and birds.  Therefore, if you hear of a sighting in your area, make sure your pets are protected by bringing them in the house or putting them in some kind of shelter.

If you come face to face with a mountain lion the DNR suggest you:

1.      Savor the moment.  It is a rare opportunity and not many people get to see one in person. But do not approach them.

2.      DON’T RUN.  Stay Calm.  Running will make them think you are prey and chase you.

3.      Stand tall and make yourself look as big as possible.

4.      Scream loudly and throw objects.

5.      Gather children in close and slowly back away, keeping eye contact with the lion.

Urban sprawl has contributed to an increase in sightings.  As more humans take over their territory sightings have increased.  It is still very unusual to see them in such a populated area; however, they are becoming accustomed to our presence in their territory.  Another reason for increased sightings in urban areas is the drought.  They are searching for food and water.

Be assured however that it is very rare for a mountain lion to attack adult humans.  It is your pets and children you should be worried about, especially between dusk and dawn as this is when lions hunt.  Keep your pets and other animals indoors or in a secured shed, with a sturdy roof.  Walk your pet on a leash.  Roaming pets are an easy target.  Feed them indoors as well. 

Mountain lions are not the only wildlife that may endanger your pet.  Coyotes, eagles, and bears have also been known to carry off an unprotect pet.  Keep your pet safe and secure and be aware of any sightings in your area.

Be Well & Be Happy,

Pet~Pourri