In all the 50 years I've lived in and around PV, I've had only five mountain lion sightings, none of which I was in danger from. They were here first, and are coming down into populated areas due to the drought. We just need to be vigilant with our children and small pets. Please let's not start shooting them like Palo Alto.

I'd disagree with Nellie. Mountain lions are more frequently being seen in human-populated areas due to increasing numbers of them. Because a male mtn. lion's "territory" is large and vigorously defended, the younger males are then forced to try to establish new territories, which today are often urban areas. The lions have no natural predators (the mtn. lion hunting season for them was ended) -- so all of this could've been predicted. It's simple: mtn. lions get hungry and they look for prey.

The lions follow the deer, and the deer are certainly here in large numbers. I've seen lots of bucks lately as well. The deer themselves are looking for food and water. No indication that the number of lion sitings (at lease in my neighborhood) has dramatically increased. One thing for sure, a lot more cameras out there that can photograph a lion that may pass by. I say leave the lions alone, The don't seem to want to bother us, follow some common sense practices when you live in lion country and you should be fine.

You might want to read, The Beast in the Garden. It concerns mountain lions in Boulder, Colorado, and the tragic consequences.

Have any of you actually encountered a mountain lion? I have had two sightings up close, the first in 1992 behind Searsville, the second last week in Los Trancos. They aren't out there to attack you or eat you. We aren't in any more danger than we have been, and if you'll observe we have more raccoon and o'possum sightings too as these natives search for water and food. Attacks usually come from human bumblings or people running away, which kicks in the chase instincts, just like it would with your dog. Just use common sense.

I think concern about coyotes is currently more warranted.

I'm concerned that our local mountain lions and coyotes are being poisoned with pesticides and rat bait, and are becoming sickly and diseased. Some of our local coyotes are becoming bolder in their search for food due to the drought, and look like they may have mange. Is this a valid concern that wildlife organizations should be looking into?

I used to live in northern Montana; bear country. We didn't get all freaked out and call for population controls, we knew we lived in bear country and took actions and precautions to minimize encounters, while at the same time celebrating the wildness of our local lands.

Well, here on the Peninsula, we live in mtn lion country. Put your grown up pants on and enjoy our wonderful natural areas.

Swan Valley - it's unclear how you came to your conclusions about our collective pants, grown up or otherwise. Did you actually read the comments? None of them were fear-mongering or dramatic. As densely populated as this area has become with those unused to being in mountain lion country, we deal with the issue pretty well, overall. It's not like the deputies shot the lion or the locals went looking for it.