Prowling into Trouble

A reported five sightings of mountain lions over the weekend in Porter Ranch has alarmed some area residents, who are being warned to take extra precautions with their children and pets.

Patrick Moore, a spokesman for the state Department of Fish and Game, said residents of the tony residential development--nestled against the Santa Susana Mountains--should not be surprised to see mountain lions venturing into their neighborhood.

“They are coming down because they are running out of habitat, Moore said. “They don’t like people, but this has been going on since 1986. They’re looking for places to live.”

Moore said a mountain lion needs about 80 square miles to roam.

Porter Ranch residents report seeing a pair of mountain lions over the weekend, which is unusual for the normally solitary cat. Moore explained that two mountain lions together usually means a mother and a cub or two young cubs let loose by their mother.

“Residents ought to brace themselves, “ Moore said. “because we’re going to see more mountain lions.”

Moore said that the last time mountain lions were counted in 1988, there were about 5,000 statewide. He estimates that there are now probably about 6,000.

Since there have not been any reports of property damage or injuries to humans or pets, Fish and Game officials are not ready to track down the big cats.

“We’re concerned, but not enough to go mountain lion hunting,” Moore said.

Mountain Lion Profile

(Felis concolor)

* Size: 4 to 6 feet long.

* Weight: 80 to 150 pounds.

* Color: Yellowish, tawny or reddish brown, less often gray. Belly is white.

* Voice: Like that of a domestic cat, only louder. Does not roar.

* Longevity: As long as 19 years.

* Habitat: Generally remote mountainous areas. Mountain lions can adapt to a range of climates, from subarctic snow to equatorial heat. In the mountains, they often climb above timberline.

* Habits: Most active at dawn, dust and night, mountain lions are solitary and rarely seen. Their diet consists of deer, coyotes, rabbits and other small mammals. The mountain lion’s mating call is a harsh scream. The female primarily gives birth during the summer months. Gestation lasts about three months. A litter contains tow to four cubs.

Preservation

* A law enacted by the state Legislature in 1971 prohibits hunting mountain lions for sport.

* Under Proposition 117, approved by voters in 1990, a person can get a permit to kill a lion only if it is apt to cause damage or injury or is a threat to humans.

PORTER RANCH SIGHTINGS

Five mountain lion sightings have been reported in residential areas of Porter Ranch since Friday. Additional lions reportedly were seen on the golf course at Porter Valley Country Club.

1. Feb. 3, 5 p.m., 19000 Pine Valley Way

2. Feb. 3, 6 p.m., 19000 Pebble Beach Place

3. Feb. 4, 3:15 p.m., 19000 Winged Foot Way

4. Feb. 5, 5 p.m., 19000 Brasilia Drive

5. Feb. 5, 9:25 p.m., 19300 Winged Foot Circle

Footprints are about four inches long.

Source: California Dept. of Fish and Game; Readers Digest North American Wildlife; researched by JULIO MORAN / Los Angeles Times