SAN JOSE — Authorities recently airlifted a stranded hiker who was reportedly frightened by a mountain lion along a trail in the Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve.
The female hiker reportedly encountered a mountain lion on Aug. 27 about 60 feet in front of her on or near the Boccardo Loop Trail while visiting the nature preserve, according to a statement from the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority. She reportedly turned around and walked away, although she told authorities the mountain lion started to follow her.
After interviewing the woman and studying the encounter, officials determined that the wild animal did move 1 to 2 feet toward her, but did not stalk her or exhibit any dangerous behavior.
“While the movement of the lion towards her is understandably upsetting, the lack of other behaviors like crouching or following her for any sustained period of time is suggestive of typical and not aggressive lion behavior,” Aaron Hébert, natural resources manager for the Open Space Authority, wrote in an online post.
The Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office deployed a helicopter to rescue the woman, who reportedly holed up along the trail until help arrived.
“The exhibited behavior does not warrant prolonged trail closures or capture and relocation with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife,” Hébert added. “Running into mountain lions is often a scary experience for visitors and we want to do everything we can to co-exist with each other.”
Officials said the hiker was not injured.
The Open Space Authority offered the following information about mountain lion sightings online:
Know before you go: Check preserve hours before visiting. Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve closes 30 minutes after sunset. Plan your visit to conclude well before closing so you have ample daylight to safely exit the trail.
Stay alert in mountain lion habitat: Hike in groups when possible, keep children close, and remain aware of your surroundings, especially during dawn, dusk and night hours when mountain lions are most active. Carry a charged phone, know your location, and consider carrying a whistle.
If you encounter a mountain lion: Stay calm and do not run as running can trigger a chase instinct. Face the animal, make yourself look as large as possible (raise your arms, open your jacket, raise your backpack above your head), and maintain eye contact. Do not crouch down or bend over, as this can make you appear smaller or more vulnerable. Speak in a firm, loud voice and back away slowly, giving the animal a clear escape route. If the mountain lion behaves aggressively or advances toward you, throw objects, shout and fight back if attacked.
For more information on preserve hours, trails and wildlife safety information, visit www.openspaceauthority.org.