Mountain lion kills 2 California dogs in ‘unprovoked attack.’ How to protect pets
A mountain lion jumped into the yard of a Southern California home and killed two dogs, a homeowner said.
The “unprovoked attack” was caught on video, Yucaipa resident Laurie Schultz wrote in a Sunday, April 19, Facebook post, calling it a “sad day for the Schultz household.”
Schultz said the cougar entered the yard between 7:50 a.m. and 8:20 a.m. on Saturday, April 18, and attacked her family’s 90-pound husky dog and 65-pound Anatolian shepherd dog.
The predator then returned for the shepherd dog and “carried her away,” the homeowner said.
“We know you have all seen the warnings about keeping your pets inside, but please reach out to people who walk our streets and warn them,” Schultz said. “Everyone else also be alert and aware.”
Much of California is considered mountain lion country, include San Bernadino County, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Here’s what to know about mountain lions in the Golden State — and how to stay safe:
Are mountain lion encounters common in California?
Mountain lions are “solitary and elusive” animals that typically avoid humans, the California Fish and Wildlife Department said. Attacks involving mountain lions are rare.
However, the big cats can occasionally venture into areas occupied by people, resulting in property damage and the “loss of livestock or pets,” the state agency said.
“People who live in mountain lion habitat can take precautions to reduce their risk of encountering a mountain lion,” the California Department of Fish and Wildlife said.
How can I avoid mountain lions on the trail?
Mountain lions are most active at night and during dawn and dusk, so you should avoid open space areas during those hours and keep pets inside, The San Luis Obispo Tribune previously reported
You should also avoid hiking, biking or jogging alone, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife said.
If you’re outside when cougars are likely to be active, San Luis Obispo city biologist Freddy Otte said, follow these tips:
- Stay in well-lit areas or on established trails
- Be alert and go in a group when walking, hiking, biking or jogging
- Keep a close eye on small children and pets
- Make some noise to so any nearby mountain lions are aware of your presence
“Mountain lion attacks are extremely rare and even rarer in urban areas,” Otte told The Tribune in January.
If you spot a cougar while out and about, he said the most important thing is to remain calm.
Never turn your back on the big cat.
Instead, maintain eye contact with the mountain lion and slowly back away, experts say.
Make noise, stand up straight and try to make yourself look as big as possible to scare off the mountain lion. Throw things at the animal if it continues to move toward you.
How can I keep my pets safe in cougar country?
According to Otte and the California Fish and Wildlife Department, you should follow these steps to keep your pets and property safe:
- Deer-proof your property to avoid attracting a cougar’s main food source.
- Remove dense vegetation around your home to reduce hiding spaces.
- Install outdoor lighting to make it difficult for mountain lions to approach unseen.
- Secure garbage cans, bird feeders and compost bins to keep wild animals away.
- Secure livestock and outdoor large pets in sturdy, covered shelters at night.
Residents should never feed wildlife because “they could be prey that attract predators to populated areas,” the city of San Luis Obispo said in a January news release.
How to report a mountain lion sighting
If you see a mountain lion and feel immediately threatened, you should call 911, the city of San Luis Obispo said.
Report the date and location of the cougar encounter to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
This story was originally published April 21, 2026 at 10:30 AM with the headline "Mountain lion kills 2 California dogs in ‘unprovoked attack.’ How to protect pets."
