[FEL-L] California, more people/mountain lion problems

[Gary Breuckman]

Ventura closes hiking trails after mountain lion sightings

Tuesday, June 12, 2007

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(06-12) 11:13 PDT Ventura, Calif. (AP) --

Popular hiking trails above Arroyo Verde Park at the city's east end
were closed because of mountain lion sightings.

There haven't been any attacks.

Ventura police received three reports of mountain lions in the hilly
area in recent days and decided to close down the trails as a
precaution.

Trailheads were blocked and signs were posted warning the public that
a mountain lion, and possibly cubs, were on the prowl in the area.

The first sighting came about 7 p.m. Friday near a trail on the
park's north end. The second occurred about 2 p.m. Saturday and a
third occurred about 6 p.m. Sunday.

There may be more closures if mountain lions continue to pass through
the park, Sgt. Jack Richards said.

"With schools out and camps starting, if the frequency keeps up we
might relocate camps and close the park itself just till we're sure
that the lions are out of the area," he said.

Police Lt. Ray Vance said it was best to stay inside the park and
avoid the hills, especially at dawn, dusk and nighttime when cougars
are most active.
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Information from: Ventura County Star,
http://venturacountystar.com