Take Caution at Caspers

Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park is one of the treasures of Orange County. Recently, its vast acreage, hiking trails and campsites were opened once again to children. That ought to have been a harbinger of good things, and made the park a beacon for families.

However, the park also is mountain lion territory. Within days of the reopening last month, hikers reported being charged at by an aggressive mountain lion that came within three feet of youngsters in the group. Eager to make the most of this resource, most would like to think that prudence would be enough. It also may be that the recent incident was highly unusual and that mountain lions typically avoid contact with humans, as senior park ranger John Gannaway said. The incident was said to be the first aggressive case in 11 years.

In 1986, mountain lions attacked two small children in separate attacks in Caspers. In 1991, a jury ruled that the county was negligent in not warning visitors of the danger. It awarded one girl injured in an attack more than $2 million in damages. The Board of Supervisors paid the award but declared the park off limits to those younger than 18. Later the rules were changed, and youngsters were allowed in certain parts of the park if accompanied by an adult. They were allowed on hikes led by a ranger or docent.

Last month, the supervisors repealed those rules. That appeared to be welcome recognition that mountain lion attacks are extremely rare. The prudent thing now would be for the supervisors to revisit their decision. They can reinstitute the previous conditions.

It is possible in Caspers to get away from it all. Stand still long enough, and the chances are good a deer will bound into view. Squirrels scurry by, birds wheel overhead, wildflowers bloom in glorious colors. Located in South County off twisting Ortega Highway, Caspers park has 7,600 acres. County officials who began assembling the parkland years ago recognized that parts of Orange County should not be developed. After the building boom of the last few decades, the decision to create the park looks better than ever.

Children can be introduced to the wilderness and its joys and dangers under carefully supervised conditions. Adults can assess for themselves their own risks.