Second Lion Attack Led to Restrictions on Visitors to Park

Seven months after a mountain lion attacked Laura Michele Small in Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park, the same thing happened to 6-year-old Justin Mellon of Huntington Beach in the same park.

The cat attacked Justin on Oct. 19, 1986, about one-quarter of a mile from the site where Laura was injured. The boy suffered cuts and was hospitalized for a few days.

Both families have filed suits against various levels of government for allegedly failing to provide adequate warnings about mountain lions in the park. In Orange County Superior Court, a judge dismissed the Smalls’ $28-million suit, telling them they could refile it if they changed the wording. The family plans to do so.

No Traveling Alone

Because of the two attacks, the park was closed. It reopened in January, 1987, under new rules restricting visitors from traveling alone and not allowing children beyond a playground at the park entrance.

Last month, the California Fish and Game Commission voted to allow hunters to kill 190 of the big cats this year in Northern and Central California. A mountain lion hunting ban still stands in Southern California. Fish and game officials estimate that there are 5,100 mountain lions, also known as cougars, in the state, including 25 in Orange County.

In hopes of learning more about the local cougar population, Orange County officials, assisted by the state Department of Fish and Game, began a two-year study of lion numbers and habits in February.

Fitted With Radio Collars

Three cougars have been trapped and fitted with radio collars so scientists can monitor their movements, said Tim Miller, manager of county regional parks operations. Two of the lions frequent Caspers Park, and the other lurks near the El Toro Marine Corps Air Station, the radio signals have shown. Scientists hope to trap another seven, Miller said.

The study should help county officials learn whether anything can be done to keep the mountain lions from roaming near people.