Coyote Lake Harvey Bear Ranch

Many times people confuse mountain lions with bobcats. Besides being much smaller (about 1/3 the size), bobcats have spots in adulthood, they have a fluffy beard around their face, and they have a short, bobbed tail. Mountain Lions are just one of many mammals that call the park home. Remember, a “mammal” is different from other animals, as it has hair or fur on its body, females produce milk for its young, and it is warm-blooded. LONG-TAIL... NO SPOTS! To learn more about mountain lions and other mammals that live in the park, see a park ranger and pick-up a copy of Can’t Miss Mammals” at the visitor center. Mountain lions are beautiful and fascinating creatures. They keep the deer population from exploding, and are a iconic symbol of parks and wilderness. Enjoy your stay at Coyote Lake – Harvey Bear Ranch County Park. But, remember… “ Take Only Pictures (and Memories)Leave Only Footprints” GO OUTSIDE & PLAY! Mountain Lions Of The Coyote-Bear Mountain lions are BIG! After the Jaguar, they are the largest wild cat in the Western Hemisphere. From the tip of their nose to the end of their long, fat tail an adult male can reach 9 feet in length! Babies (cubs) are born with spots, which make them very cute. But don’t get too close, because mom’s usually around! Mountain lions can be found throughout parts of North & South America. In other areas, they can be named- cougar, catamount, puma, or panther. But they’re all the same animal. Mountain lions’ primary prey are deer. They hunt mostly at dusk. So if your out on the trails early, bring a partner and watchout! Chance are, though, that you’ll be fine. In California only three people have been killed by a mountain lion in the last 100-years. If you are approached by a mountain lion, yell or scream loudly; and make yourself look big and scary by waving your arms above your head. That should make him “scram!” But, whatever you do, don’t try to run away. These cats are instinctively wired to chase fleeing prey, which could be you if you run! So when hiking, be aware of your surroundings, including looking up every now and then.