San Jose trails closed after mountain lion sightings

Mountain lion spotted in Alum Rock Park, San Jose on Thursday July 6, 2017.

Popular hiking trails in San Jose's Alum Rock Park are closed due to several mountain lion sightings.

Alum Rock Parks' One Way Road and South Rim trail will be closed from Thursday July 6th until Saturday July 8th. 

Park Rangers have confirmed the sighting of one or more of the park's resident lions.

They advise anyone encountering a mountain lion to keep the following safety tips in mind. 

  • Do not approach a mountain lion, it may feel cornered if you approach it
  • Do not remain in the area
  • Stand tall, face the animal, make noise and try to look bigger by waving your arm or throwing objects
  • Pick up small children without bending over
  • Back away slowly, giving the lion an opportunity to escape
  • Do not turn your back or run away, which might trigger a chase response
  • Fight back if attacked
  • REPORT ALL ENCOUNTERS OR ATTACKS IMMEDIATELY -If a human is attacked by a mountain lion, call 9-1-1. -If you have a face-to-face encounter with a mountain lion, contact a Park Ranger or call the Alum Rock Park Ranger Office at (408) 259-5477. 

According to San Jose Parks and Recreation, more than half of California, including most of undeveloped Santa Clara County, is prime mountain lion habitat. Alum Rock Park and the surrounding open space lands provide protected habitat for mountain lions.