ANGELS CAMP, Calif. — An increase in reported mountain lion sightings around Angels Camp has prompted the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) to step up patrols in the Calaveras County community, putting renewed attention on wildlife safety throughout the Sierra Nevada foothills.
The development is particularly relevant to residents of El Dorado County, where rural neighborhoods, wooded properties, open space and wildlife corridors create similar opportunities for encounters between people and large predators.
According to an Oct. 28 report by myMotherLode, the Angels Camp Police Department confirmed that mountain lion sightings around the city have recently increased. Local CDFW officers will conduct additional patrols in response.
Police emphasized that seeing a mountain lion does not automatically mean the animal poses a threat.
“It is not unusual for these animals to travel through residential neighborhoods, particularly those near open spaces,” the department stated. “While seeing a mountain lion may be concerning, occasional sightings are to be expected and do not necessarily indicate a threat to public safety.”
The department’s message is one of awareness and prevention rather than alarm.
Why feeding deer can attract mountain lions
One of the primary concerns raised by Angels Camp police is the practice of feeding wildlife, particularly deer.
Deer are a primary food source for mountain lions. When residents intentionally or unintentionally encourage deer to congregate near homes, they can also make those properties attractive hunting grounds for predators.
The Angels Camp Police Department specifically asked residents to stop feeding wildlife.
“We ask residents not to feed wildlife. Even when done with good intentions, feeding wild animals can create problems for the animals and surrounding neighborhoods,” police stated.
Feeding big game mammals, including deer, is prohibited under California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Section 251.3.
For El Dorado County residents, the issue is especially relevant in communities where deer regularly move through residential properties, including areas bordering forestland and undeveloped parcels.
The presence of deer does not mean a mountain lion is necessarily nearby. However, maintaining food sources that attract deer can increase the likelihood of wildlife activity around homes.
What El Dorado County residents should do
CDFW recommends several precautions for people living in mountain lion habitat.
The department advises residents to:
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Secure pets and livestock: Keep pets and small livestock in sturdy, covered shelters at night. Do not leave smaller animals unattended in areas where predators may roam.
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Remove outdoor food sources: Bring pet food and livestock feed inside. Avoid leaving food or other attractants outdoors.
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Avoid attracting deer: Do not feed deer or other wildlife. Consider deer-resistant property measures.
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Improve visibility: Remove dense vegetation near homes and install outdoor lighting.
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Be cautious outdoors: Avoid hiking, jogging or biking alone, particularly at dawn, dusk and nighttime.
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Keep children close: Supervise children outdoors and do not allow them to run ahead on trails.
CDFW also recommends keeping pets leashed when walking in mountain lion habitat.
These precautions are applicable throughout the El Dorado County foothills, including Placerville, Cameron Park, Shingle Springs, Pollock Pines and communities bordering the Eldorado National Forest.
What to do if you encounter a mountain lion
An unexpected encounter with a mountain lion can be frightening. However, CDFW advises people not to run or turn their backs on the animal.
Instead:
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Remain calm and face the mountain lion.
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Do not approach it. Give the animal an opportunity to escape.
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Make yourself appear larger by raising your arms.
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Speak loudly and make noise.
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Pick up small children without bending or crouching.
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Back away slowly while maintaining awareness of the animal.
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Never turn your back or run.
If a mountain lion attacks, fight back. Do not play dead.
CDFW emphasizes that mountain lions generally avoid people and that attacks are rare.
According to the department, California has recorded fewer than 50 verified mountain lion attacks on humans since 1890, including six fatal incidents. Most attacks involved people who were alone.
Are mountain lions protected in California?
Yes. Mountain lions are specially protected under California law.
In 1990, California voters approved Proposition 117, establishing mountain lions as a specially protected species and generally prohibiting sport hunting.
There are limited legal exceptions involving public safety, protection of livestock and private property, and other circumstances specified by law.
CDFW evaluates reports of mountain lion activity according to the circumstances. A sighting, livestock loss and an animal exhibiting threatening behavior are not necessarily treated as the same type of incident.
The department prioritizes nonlethal approaches when addressing potential conflicts, where feasible.
For property owners who experience livestock or pet losses, CDFW provides technical assistance and has a formal process for evaluating depredation incidents.
How to report a sighting in California
CDFW operates an online Wildlife Incident Reporting System that allows residents to submit reports involving wildlife observations, human-wildlife conflicts and property damage.
Residents can use the system to report a mountain lion sighting or suspected livestock or pet depredation.
If you are in immediate danger, leave the reporting application and call 911.
apps.wildlife.ca.gov+1
A reminder for foothill communities
The additional patrols in Angels Camp are a response to reports in a neighboring county, not evidence of a newly established mountain lion problem in El Dorado County.
Still, the circumstances are familiar to residents throughout the Sierra Nevada foothills. Communities built alongside forests, open spaces and wildlife corridors share their surroundings with animals that were here long before residential development.
Mountain lions are an important part of California’s natural ecosystem. The objective is not to eliminate their presence but to reduce the likelihood of dangerous encounters.
For El Dorado County residents, that begins with a few straightforward precautions: Don’t feed the deer, secure pets and livestock, eliminate outdoor food sources and remain alert when spending time outdoors.
Living in the foothills means sharing the landscape with wildlife. Understanding that responsibility is one of the best ways to protect both our families and the animals that call this region home.
