UC police are warning hikers to be on the outlook for a mountain lion and her cubs that may be living near the Greek Theater.

In the past few weeks, hikers have reported several sightings of a mountain lion, including one on Thursday.

“In the past few weeks there have been several sightings of a mountain lion and her cubs near the Switching Station #6 construction site on the western side of Stern Hall,” UC Police said in a safety alert sent out Tuesday. “The latest sighting was of a female mountain lion which occurred on Thursday, July 19th.”

Stern Hall is located on Gayley Road right near the Greek Theater.

Last year, there were several sightings of mountain lions in the hills above campus, according to police. Hikers also found carcasses of deer and other animals, providing further evidence that mountain lions were living nearby.

Two years ago a mountain lion made its way down from the hills and wandered through Gourmet Ghetto before it was shot and killed by police. The mountain lion was spotted around 2 am August 31, 2010 in the parking lot of what was then Elephant Pharmacy. Police shot it at 3:26 am on Walnut Street.

To reduce the chances of encountering a mountain lion:

• Avoid hiking alone, especially between dusk and dawn, when lions

normally do their hunting. Make plenty of noise while you hike so as to

reduce the chances of surprising a lion.

• Always keep children in sight while hiking and within arm’s reach in

areas that can conceal a lion. Mountain lions seem to be drawn to

children.

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• Hike with a good walking stick; this can be useful in warding off a lion.

To reduce the chances of an attack when encountering a mountain lion:

• Do not approach a lion, especially if it is feeding or with its young.

Most lions will avoid confrontation. Give them a way to escape.

• Stay calm and face the lion. Do not run because this may trigger the

lion’s instinct to attack. Try to appear larger by raising your hands.

• Pick up small children so they don’t panic and run. This will also make

you appear larger. Avoid bending over or crouching.

• If the lion acts aggressively, throw rocks, branches, or whatever can be

obtained without turning your back or bending over.

• Fight back if attacked. Since a mountain lion usually tries to bite the

head or neck, try to remain standing and face the attacking animal. People

have successfully fought back with rocks, sticks, or bare hands.

Related:

Mountain lion possibly spotted at UC apartments Tuesday [01.12.12]

Mountain lion tours Gourmet Ghetto [8.31.10]

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Frances Dinkelspiel is co-founder and executive editor of Berkeleyside.