Mountain lion attack results in warning for valley

A mountain lion attack on a horse in late June has resulted in a warning for the rest of the Lahontan Valley.

Naval Air Station Fallon notified the Nevada Department of Wildlife on June 30 a mountain lion attacked a horse at the May Ranch stables, which is located on the southern part of the base.

“The horse was treated and is expected to make a full recovery,” the Navy reported. “We have no indications that the lion remains in the immediate area.”

The Navy, however, advised personnel and families living in base housing to remain alert for any future mountain lion activity.

Ashley Zeme, NDOW’s public information officer, said the urban wildlife coordinator called her to reaffirm the Navy’s report, which was forwarded to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

 “We don’t have many details because it was referred to USDA’s APHIS Wildlife Services which takes the livestock cases,” she said. “This is not uncommon in areas where you have livestock in corrals. In a lot of cases it’s smaller animals like goats that are attacked. We advise putting livestock in a secured enclosure such as a barn overnight or invest in electric fencing. Dogs also help keep mountain lions away.”

Mountain lions may also have different names such as puma, cougar and catamount. Males weigh an average of 140 to 150 pounds and have a length of 8 feet or longer. Adults females are smaller, having a length of about 7 feet and weighing between 80 to 90 pounds.

Periodically, reports of mountain lions hovering near or in urban areas have been reported to NDOW. Churchill County residents who live outside the Fallon city limits, though, have previously reported mountain lion activity.

“It’s common for them to roam along the river channel looking for deer or small game. A mountain lion could make a living on what’s out there,” said NDOW in a prior interview with the Lahontan Valley News. “For the most part, both the mountain lions and coyotes tend to stay away from humans and are out in the early morning or dusk looking for prey.”

NDOW and the Churchill County Sheriff’s Office said residents must also be vigilant to keep their pets on a leash.

According to NDOW, residents should remove anything from their property that can attract deer, like birdseed, pet food or fallen fruit. Motion-activated lights can scare away lions. Most lions try to avoid confrontation. Still, humans should not try to run away near a lion.

“Do all that you can to appear larger,” advises NDOW. “Raise your arms. Open your jacket if you’re wearing one. If you have small children with you, protect them by picking them up so they won’t panic and run.”

In the rare event a lion attacks, NDOW also recommends people to fight back.

“Lions have been driven away by prey that fights back,” NDOW stated. “People have fought back with rocks, sticks, caps or jackets, garden tools, and their bare hands successfully. Remain standing or try to get back up.”

For information, visit ndow.org/blog/living-with-mountain-lions/.