Mountain Lion Spotted Near Palm Desert: Hikers, Be Aware

PALM DESERT, CA — Recent mountain lion sightings have area residents nervous, according to a recent report from the Desert Sun. California Fish and Wildlife spokesman Tim Daily told the Sun that both mother and baby mountain lions have been seen near the tiny home community of Springs Resort.

The mountain lions are "not aggressive" at this time, according to Daily. "Law enforcement has not responded because there hasn't been what we consider a risk to public safety," he reported.

Have you seen them on your Ring cameras?

Mountain lions are a part of the Palm Desert wildlife that share this desert community, according to Daily. Officials remove mountain lions found near communities, such as one that was recently removed from Sunrise Palms.

That mountain lion now lives in a rehabilitation center in Ramona—for the time being—as it was "a young female and severely emaciated," according to reports from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife in October.

Hiking is a favored area past time, and if you are out and about on one of our local trails in Indian Canyons, you may be confronted by a mountain lion.

What is the first thing to do if you see a mountain lion?

Don't run.

"Hold your ground, wave your hands and shout!" California Department of Fish and Wildlife tells us.

If the lion behaves aggressively, throw stones.

"Convince the lion that you are not prey and that you may be dangerous to it," they say. Then, raise your arms and "make yourself big."

"Pick up small children and place them on your shoulders if you can," they say. Don't try to hide.

"The lion has seen you long before you saw it," they say.

Most importantly, report every mountain lion sighting to a ranger as soon as possible.