Statement Regarding August 27 Mountain Lion Sighting

On the evening of Thursday, August 27, Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority (Authority) staff were notified by the San Jose Police Department that a hiker on or near a trail at Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve had encountered a mountain lion. Staff immediately coordinated with police to locate the female hiker, who was safely recovered by helicopter with no injuries reported. 

The Boccardo Loop Trail was temporarily closed to the public while Authority staff followed up with the hiker to better understand the encounter and inform future safety guidance. Mountain lion sightings, while uncommon, are a reality of recreating in the natural habitats open space preserves protect, particularly around dawn and dusk. 

After two separate interviews between staff and the hiker, it was determined based on the information provided that the mountain lion had not exhibited any aggressive behavior.  

“The reporting party encountered a lion 50-60' up the trail, turned around and walked away slowly, looked back to see the lion moving '1-2 feet' towards her but not running, and then proceeded without incident,” said Aaron Hébert, Natural Resources Manager for the Authority. “While the movement of the lion towards her is understandably upsetting, the lack of other behaviors like crouching or following her for any sustained period of time is suggestive of typical and not aggressive lion behavior. The exhibited behavior does not warrant prolonged trail closures or capture and relocation with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Running into mountain lions is often a scary experience for visitors and we want to do everything we can to co-exist with each other.” 

This sighting provided an opportunity to remind visitors of a few important safety practices, which was posted both on signage as well as on the Authority’s social media, including: 

• Know before you go. Check preserve hours before visiting. Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve closes 30 minutes after sunset. Plan your visit to conclude well before closing so you have ample daylight to safely exit the trail. 
• Stay alert in mountain lion habitat. Hike in groups when possible, keep children close, and remain aware of your surroundings, especially during dawn, dusk and night hours when mountain lions are most active. Carry a charged phone, know your location, and consider carrying a whistle. 
• If you encounter a mountain lion: Stay calm and do not run as running can trigger a chase instinct. Face the animal, make yourself look as large as possible (raise your arms, open your jacket, raise your backpack above your head), and maintain eye contact. Do not crouch down or bend over, as this can make you appear smaller or more vulnerable. Speak in a firm, loud voice and back away slowly, giving the animal a clear escape route. If the mountain lion behaves aggressively or advances toward you, throw objects, shout and fight back if attacked. 

The Authority remains dedicated to balancing public access with the protection of the wildlife that calls these preserves home. We thank the San Jose Police Department and all responders for their swift and effective coordination in this incident. 

For more information on preserve hours, current closures and wildlife safety guidelines, visit www.openspaceauthority.org  

Media Contact: Charlotte Graham, Public Information Manager, 408.439.6541, cgraham@openspaceauthority.org