Multiple mountain lion sightings reported in Genoa area; NDOW advises on how to stay safe
Submitted by Kelsey Penrose on Wed, 04/13/2022 - 10:55am
According to some residents of Genoa, there have been multiple mountain lion sightings in the area, including close-quarter run-ins with some of the local felines.
In a Facebook post by the Genoa Bar, it was claimed that “reports of at least four mountain lions running all over" Genoa were heard, including one account when “the cat is actually trying to get in the house and destroy screen doors on sliders.”
The post went on to say that at least one local ranch has lost four calves in the last few days, and are setting up traps.
Ashley Sanchez from the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) has several tips to stay safe when sharing a home with wild animals.
* Do not approach a lion, especially one that is feeding or with kittens. Most mountain lions will try to avoid a confrontation.
* Do NOT run away from it or corner it—give it space to leave. Back away slowly if you can do so safely – running may stimulate the ‘chase instinct’ that many predators have.
* Do all that you can to appear larger. Raise your arms. Open your jacket if you’re wearing one. If you have small children with you, protect them by picking them up so they won’t panic and run.
* If the lion is aggressive, throw stones, branches, or whatever you can get your hands on without crouching down or turning your back. Wave your arms slowly and speak firmly. What you want to do is convince the lion you are not prey and that you may be a danger to the lion.
* In the rare event of an attack — ALWAYS fight back. Lions have been driven away by prey that fights back. People have fought back with rocks, sticks, caps or jackets, garden tools, and their bare hands successfully. Remain standing or try to get back up!
As far as proofing properties, here are precautions NDOW urges the community to take:
* Remove anything that might attract deer or other prey animals.
* This can include birdseed, pet food, trash or compost, water features, fallen fruit, excess shrubs, woodpiles, decks, or other structures that can provide cover or a place to den.
* Make efforts to discourage deer from being present in your yard – deer are one of the top food sources for mountain lions, so if they are in your yard, a lion could be too.
* Install devices to scare away the lions – motion-activated lights and/or sprinklers are a great place to start!
* Closely supervise children whenever they play outdoors. Make sure children are inside before dusk and not outside before dawn. Talk with your children about lions and teach them what to do if they encounter one.
According to Sanchez, the NDOW biologists will be looking into the claims. Prior to publication, NDOW had not been contacted by Genoa residents regarding the mountain lion sightings.
If you see a mountain lion in a residential area, please report it to NDOW’s dispatch line at (775) 688-1331 .
These tips and more can be found on our new “Living with Mountain Lions” page here: ndow.org/blog/living-with-mountain-lions/
