Animal behaviorist and animal book author discusses cougar (mountain lion) concerns.

Recent reports of a mountain lion residing in Griffth Park, California have prompted a media circus and concerns from local residents. Animal behaviorist and author Diana L. Guerrero had this to say:

The mountain lion reported in April 2004 has been in the park for a while. Both wildlife officials and animal services have been aware of it. They have been monitoring the creature.

In my book, What Animals Can Teach Us about Spirituality: Inspiring Lessons of Wild & Tame Creatures, I discuss the presence of mountain lions in a community. Everyone was aware of the cat and the cougar did no harm. The mountain lion signaled that the ecosystem was healthy.

Cougars are curious cats and their normal prey species are deer, rabbits, and other small animals. As this cougar has claimed a territory within the park, the other predators (coyotes for example) are moving away from the cougar's cental location. There have always been predators and prey species in the park and it is nothing to panic over.

As we encroach on animal habitat, we have to insure that we make room and preserve habitat for them to continue to thrive and exist.

A more esoteric view would be to say that we are noticing and observing more activity because development and human impact on the world are at a critical point. Nature is crying out for help and support.

Unless we take some immediate steps to preserve and conserve, we all will be in serious trouble. We need to acknowledge the value of each and every living thing here on the planet and stop being so homeocentric.

Fear over the existence of other creatures that have been here for eons accomplishes nothing. Those living in the surrounding areas should educate themselves about living with wildlife and learn what actions they can take to protect their pets, children, and property while contributing to the conservation and health of the planet.

See the newsroom article below for more information.