CDFW says the recent mountain lion attacks on the outskirts of Susanville were not attributed to the loss of habitat caused by recent wildfires.
Biologist Brian Ehler from the department clarified that there had not been a noticeable increase in attacks on pets or livestock, particularly due to the burnt landscapes.
Although the weekend’s attacks are not uncommon nor typical, says the CDFW, as the department regularly receives reports of small dogs and pet cats falling prey to mountain lions throughout the state. In rural counties like Lassen, less secure livestock such as sheep, goats, and chickens are particularly vulnerable to mountain lion attacks.
Newer regulations, implemented in 2020, have resulted in the CDFW issuing depredation permits once a mountain lion has been involved in two offenses. These permits are granted to landowners who can demonstrate efforts to safeguard their property, secure their pets and livestock, or deter lions through hazing techniques. In the case of the recent incident, a non-lethal permit was issued per the current policy. It’s important to note that state law still permits landowners to kill mountain lions caught in the act of harming livestock, causing property damage, or displaying aggressive behavior – referred to as the “encounter law.” This is why the lion was killed in this instance, as it had returned to the homeowner’s property and was observed attempting to kill a second dog.
For further information on the Human-Wildlife Conflicts Program, you can visit the conflicts page on the CDFW site.
