Shy and elusive cougars are not likely to cross paths with hu- mans but park officials do suggest that groups of two or more people stay together for safety in moun- tain park areas.

If you encounter a lion on a trail, it's best to make yourself look large and intimidating by standing tall, waving your hands and making loud noises, said Woody Smeck, superintendent of the Santa Monica Mountains Rec- reation Area.

But seeing a mountain lion in the wild is extremely rare and at- tacks don't take often place. "In my 15 years working in the Santa Monica Mountains, I have yet to see a mountain lion," Smeck said.

"We have been very impressed and surprised at where the moun- in rare encounters with cougars

tain lions go," said Ray Sauvajot, a scientist and planner for the Na- tional Park Service. The cats sometimes venture around devel- oped areas, including residences and heavily used trails, but they manage to do this without detec- tion.

"We have essentially not veri- fied reports of the lions being seen by people and no incidents where lions have threatened pets or people," he said.

"We've been surprised by where they go, but pleased by their behaviors--in other words, we're happy that the lions stay out of trouble."

For more information about mountain lions and safety, visit www. m o u n t a i n l i o n . o r g / facts_safety.asp.