Stay Informed: Mountain Lions

The San Marcos Natural Areas protect and provide habitat for a variety of animals. It's important to be informed and prepared when hiking and biking in natural areas.
From TPWD http://tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/wild/nuisance/mountain_lion/

TPWD has collected mountain lion sighting and mortality data for the past 18 years. If you have a verifiable sighting or kill a mountain lion please contact your local biologist or game warden or call Texas Parks and Wildlife headquarters at 1-800-792-1112.

Because lions are secretive by nature it is rare to see a mountain lion; however, as we encroach upon their habitat conflict is bound to occur. It is wise to know what to do if you ever find yourself confronting a mountain lion.

What To Do If You Encounter A Mountain Lion
  • Pick all children up off the ground immediately.
  • Do NOT approach the lion
  • Stay calm. Talk calmly and move slowly.
  • Face the lion and remain in an upright position.
  • Do not turn your back on the lion. Back away slowly.
  • Do NOT run.
  • Do all you can to enlarge your image. Do NOT crouch down or try to hide
  • IF the lion is aggressive, throw rocks, sticks, or anything you can get your hands on.
  • If the lion attacks, fight back. Fighting back can drive off lions.