Friend or Foe?

What to Do: Don't feed the deer. Quietly admire them, respect them, and let them be. If you see one while driving, slow down and watch for more deer as they often travel in packs. Brake firmly and calmly. Don't swerve; stay in your lane. Stay alert when driving close to dawn or dusk as deer are most active at these times. 

What to Do: If you see a tarantula, keep your distance and let it be. If you find one near your home, just gently scare it away. Stomping on the ground can cause it to move in the opposite direction. Or you can pick it up with a shovel and put it in the garden. These spiders will keep other nuisances at a low level on your property.

What to Do: If you see a gopher snake, leave it alone to keep the rodent population in check. They are harmless and beneficial for your property. Gopher snakes are California's most common snake and are frequently mistaken for a rattle snake, but remember that unlike the rattler, a gopher snake is your friend! 

What to Do: Bobcats are wary of people and typically don’t pose a significant threat to human safety. Prevention is key to preventing loss of pets and livestock to these predators. Secure your pets and all your animals. Remove all potential food sources. Never feed wildlife. 

What to Do: Remain calm. Don't panic. Stay at least 5 feet from the snake. Don't throw anything at it, such as rocks or sticks, as rattlesnakes may then move toward you rather than away from you. If you hear a rattle, don't jump or panic. Try to locate where the sound is coming from before you react, so you don't step closer to the snake or on top of it.

What to Do: If you are followed by a coyote, make loud noises. If this fails, throw rocks in the animal’s direction. If a coyote attacks a person, immediately seek medical attention and contact the nearest Department of Fish and Wildlife or law enforcement office. Secure your pets and animals at night.

What to Do: If you see a mountain lion, do not run or turn your back on them! (Running can cause them to chase and attack with intent to kill.) Pick up small children. Stay calm. Face the mountain lion, make noise and wave your arms or open your jacket to try to look bigger. Throw rocks or other objects. Never approach a mountain lion. Give them an escape route. Don’t crouch down or bend over as you may appear to be four-legged prey to them. Speak calmly and be vocal. Don’t use high-pitched tones/screams. If a lion attacks, fight back. Try to stay on your feet. If you get knocked down, protect your head and neck. If a mountain lion attacks a person, immediately call 911.