[pct-l] Inflammatory mountain lion warning

[Ron Graybill]

Should PCT hikers pack guns?  That was the recommendation of an
inflammatory mountain lion warning posted on a tree near Mission Creek
Trail Camp (Mile 240) by controversial wildlife biologist, T. J. Elsbury.
 Here's what it said: "Danger! Hikers Beware

In the San Gorgonio Forrest [sic] District a short distance from Forests
Falls near Mountain Home a fisherman beat off an attacking mountain lion
with a fishing rod and loud screams. The Ca. Fish & Wildlife did not kill
the lion. Following which, two men while hiking in the vicinity vanished.
Earlier 13 year-old Jared M. Negrete vanished just east of the area.
Earlier yet a man vanished on the south side of the forest district, and
recently a human skull was found in its Whitewater drainage. Possibly
nearly as scary, lions in 2013 have repeatedly visited residential areas in
the valley to prey on pets. The latest incidence happened only last week
where the “large” lion killed two dogs. The Fish and Wildlife refused to
track and kill the cat because ¡t had not attacked a human! Said lion’s
home range probably included the area of Forests Falls. Only days after the
dogs were killed a fifteen year old girl while hiking vanished from the
area!

 "Don’t become the next victim!

Never hike alone in mountain lion habitat as did the former victims.
Always be aware of your surroundings.  Hikers should pack side arms.  Lions
are going hungry chiefly because deer-their primary—prey has been
overhunted by man: back in the fifties there were an estimated 24,000 dear
in the S. B. Forest now at best there are 4,000.  Also due to total
protection, Ca. lions have increased from 500 to at least 5000.  Wildlife
Biologist T. J. Elsbury"


Elsbury has a long history of conflict with government wildlife management
agencies.  You can find his side of the story in his book, *The Cost of
Being Green*, portions of which you can read on Google Books.


Ron "Slo Charger" Graybill
p.s. This notice was seen April 17, 2014, as Bill "Groundpounder" Frenette
and I were hiking southbound from Onyx Summit to Whitewater Preserve.  On a
more pleasant note, Mission Creek further south of the trail camp is alive
with a fantastic display of wildflowers.