Lala land

[Siggie]

Re: Lala land

The Marlin is .44 - I hear you guys have mountain lions near the city..any truth to that?

Yes, we do have mountain lions near the city. But I also still see deer regularly in the same areas too. Coyotes are more of an issue, running around residential neighborhoods in broad daylight.

There's at least one adult mountain lion in Griffith Park even. It's been tagged for a while now and he lays low during the day hunting at night as they do and hasn't been spotted by any hikers in the area.

Edit to add his photo... It's too awesome a photo.

[Haykakan]

Re: Lala land

Nice pic! These cats are making a comeback and have been spotted in Michigan's upper peninsula also. This is a very adaptable specie of big cat which manages to thrive when most other big cats are going extinct.

[Siggie]

Re: Lala land

Nice pic! These cats are making a comeback and have been spotted in Michigan's upper peninsula also. This is a very adaptable specie of big cat which manages to thrive when most other big cats are going extinct.

Yeah, they've made a comeback and I think are still increasing because they're still protected. They scare me personally and I try not to go up alone, but I'm a shorty and I like to run on the trails so I would look like fleeing prey. I won't even crouch to tie an untied shoe lace. Overly paranoid? Maybe. Okay, probably?

[Haykakan]

Re: Lala land

Yeah, they've made a comeback and I think are still increasing because they're still protected. They scare me personally and I try not to go up alone, but I'm a shorty and I like to run on the trails so I would look like fleeing prey. I won't even crouch to tie an untied shoe lace. Overly paranoid? Maybe. Okay, probably?

You are not Paranoid at all. This is a apex predator and an opportunist. They mainly hunt at night but it wont pass up an easy meal at anytime should it wonder blissfully into its paws. They aim for the head and neck area to deliver a killing bite so if you get attacked make sure to gaurd these vital targets by crouching and putting you hands and arms around your head and neck. I am a huge guy by Armenian standards and i would have second thoughts about hiking unarmed where i know these cats are on the prowl. Having said this, it is amazing that we do not see more attacks on people.

[Eddo211]

Re: Lala land

Good time to go hiking now Siggie after the rains we had......mountain lions are a danger and if you are petit then they mark you. have loud whistle, make lots of noise and make yourself look bigger if you see one...do not run. Also walk along the trail side that is a drop instread of a hill (they pounce from above and not attack from bellow) and keep ears open.

Haykakan like Siggie said we have these cats up here but I have still not seen one in my area.....they hunt either very early or at night and are very illusive. I have seen their tracks many times in the mountain and some are big with deep claws.

btw, I have over 400 rds of .44 ammo....plus the range I go to has that ammo with rifle steel targets out to 600 yrds.

[Artashes]

Re: Lala land

Lived in the mountains 5 months alone. Saw many of the wildlife but no cougars. Their there but the most wary of the critters. I was always surprised that the predetators were more wary & cautious than the deer.
The cats have a tendency to hang out in the trees.
One time in terrace lake which is between Burbank & Pacoima/San Fernando, I was camping in the foot hills and heard the unmistakable growl of a large cat, larger than a cougar. Upon investigation I found a compound for Hollywood animals tucked away between two finger mountain like hills that often precede the larger mountain chain.
The keeper/trainer invited me to a tour. He was about 6'2" , maybe larger & large in shape. His left arm was in a sling & he looked like he'd been in quite a brawl. He was upbeat & calm in demeanor and told me when he went into the conger cage (4 cats) that something spooked them & he had to fight his way out. All the cat cages had like chicken wire that was only one size thicker than chicken wire. I was surprised to see the tiger in a cage with this small diameter wire. That tiger was an easy 400 pounds.
Anyway I'm writing to say I agree with Eddo on the whistle but know there is a hand held horn that makes a more formidable sound. Small gas operated & light.
Agree with Kaykakan's suggestion only if your a child. Would definitely not drop to the ground. That's an invitation.
Agree with Eddo, make yourself look bigger and stretch your weaker side arm out to its full length as if your pointing.
The California mountain lion can be spooked, with few exceptions. To many situations to try to teach.
A stick or rock inserted in their mouth is good move. Left arm extended directly toward cat and right hand at hip with rock, stick or club.
If they are not starving, I seriously dought they'll attack an adult.
Sometimes you gotta fight.

[Eddo211]

Re: Lala land

One good defense to carry with you for the ladies (besides firearms) is a pepper spray.....it has worked on polar bears and will work on big cats as well. Their noses are so sensitive that they get all screwed up run off.

Having a medium to large dog with you also helps alot.....only a "man eater" will target you with a dog, and they need to be put down by a hunter.

[Haykakan]

Re: Lala land

One thing that i thought was interesting about LA is that non oh the homes there have anything resembling a yard but lots of them have dogs. If you lead an active lifestyle then having a dog might be a great idea for you while providing you with protection at the same time. You do need to research what dog breed you want to get carefully but even a mut will do and will be healthier to. You should also find out if you are allergic to dogs before getting one. There are some hypoallerganic dogs but each dog is different.