Mountain lion sighted near UC Berkeley Clark Kerr campus
This is a file photo of a mountain lion
BERKELEY, Calif. (BCN, KTVU) - A warning from police, after a mountain lion was spotted in the area of the University of California at Berkeley campus, Wednesday morning.
The sighting was reported at 11:57 a.m. east of the Clark Kerr Campus track on Sport Lane near 2601 Warring St.
The track is at the western edge of the Claremont Canyon Regional Preserve.
UC police said that several mountain lions have been reported in the hills near the campus, as well as the carcasses of animals suspected to be their prey.
Deer are a major source of food for big cats.
People in the area are advised to avoid hiking or jogging alone, especially at night, and to make plenty of noise while hiking in an effort not to surprise a mountain lion that may be in the area.
Police are also warning people to keep children and small pets close and to consider carrying a stick, which can be used to "ward off" a lion attack.
In the event of a lion encounter, experts say people should give the animal a path of escape and avoid approaching the lion or trying to run away.
If you are attacked, police advise fighting back. They say you should also try and remain standing if possible.
Victims have fought back successfully using rocks, sticks or even their bare hands, according to police.