Proceedings of the Seventh Mountain Lion Workshop

WHAT DOES TEN YEARS (1993-2002) OF MOUNTAIN LION OBSERVATION DATA
REVEAL ABOUT MOUNTAIN LION–HUMAN INTERACTIONS WITHIN REDWOOD
NATIONAL AND STATE PARKS?
GREGORY W. HOLM, Wildlife Biologist, Redwood National Park, 219 Hilton Rd., Orick, CA
95519, USA, email: Gregory_Holm@nps.gov
Abstract: Mountain lions (Puma concolor) occur throughout Redwood National and State Parks
(RNSP) and most other portions of northwest California. However, because they are not often
observed, RNSP biologists have always been interested in recording mountain lion observations
within the park. Prior to 4 mountain lion attacks in California between 1992-94, 2 resulting in
fatalities, RNSP mountain lion observations were not compiled in a timely, consistent, or easily
accessible manner. Since 1993, RNSP biologists have attempted to document and verify all
mountain lion observations using a standard reporting form and database. Three hundred and
seven mountain lion observations have been recorded within RNSP from 1993-2002 (mean ≅ 31;
range 19-53). Most were observed between May and October during daylight hours, and
involved a single mountain lion. While most observations (54%) involved a mountain lion near
a road while people were in a vehicle, the remaining observations (46%) occurred while people
were on trails or at other park facilities. The ultimate response of most mountain lions (68%)
encountered on trails was to avoid humans, yet twenty percent of trail encounters involved some
level of curiosity by the mountain lion towards humans. Although no human attacks were
reported, there were 8 reports of aggressive behavior towards humans, 6 reports of following
humans, and 1 report of a dog on a leash getting attacked. The observation data does not
accurately reflect the actual distribution or timing (seasonally or daily) of mountain lion activity,
and should be interpreted with caution due to inherent problems with observer experience, and
report quality and verification. However, the information does allow managers to quickly
identify when and where mountain lion-human interactions have occurred, and more effectively
focus management actions to prevent or reduce future mountain lion-human interactions within
RNSP.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE SEVENTH MOUNTAIN LION WORKSHOP
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