Cougar in Hahamongna

On Wednesday, January 16, 2008 a JPL employee shot this picture of a cougar just beneath the JPL bridge at the mouth of the Arroyo. The is the bridge that crosses Hahamongna Watershed Park from the east parking lot to the JPL campus. Then on Friday night KNBC-TV news reported the incident.


While it's exciting to see wildlife in the Arroyo, visitors to the Arroyo do need to be careful and take precautions to ensure their safety.


Jeff Chapman of the Audubon Center at Debs Park relays the information on the right from the CA Department of Fish & Game website.


Jeff Chapman

Master Teacher Naturalist

Audubon Center at Debs Park

323-221-2255 ext. 13

connecting people with nature



Staying Safe in Mountain Lion Country


Mountain lions are quiet, solitary and elusive, and typically avoid people.


Mountain lion attacks on humans are extremely rare. However, conflicts are increasing as California’s human population expands into mountain lion habitat.


  • Do not hike, bike, or jog alone.
  • Avoid hiking or jogging when mountain lions are most active—dawn, dusk, and at night.
  • Keep a close watch on small children.
  • Do not approach a mountain lion.
  • If you encounter a mountain lion, do not run; instead, face the animal, make noise and try to look bigger by waving your arms; throw rocks or other objects. Pick up small children.
  • If attacked, fight back.
  • If a mountain lion attacks a person, immediately call 911.