[Cajundaddy]

We have quite a few in the hills around SoCal. I have seen both mountain lions and bobcats in the wild while hiking and they never bothered us. Occasionally they will come down into the neighborhoods looking for easy prey or water in summer.

Some solo joggers and mountain bikers have been attacked but it is rare. One wildlife photographer was shooting at dusk and was killed in a nature preserve.

Our basic precautions: High situational awareness, carry a stick or pole, hike in groups never alone, and keep the largest meanest hiker at the rear. A small child lagging behind the group is attractive to predators.