UPDATE: School District Vigilant After Mountain Lion Report - Patch.com
Iowa City school officials say they will not change any procedures at Hoover Elementary the morning after a mountain lion was reported about a half-mile away.
Police could not find the wild cat, which was reported as a cougar (another name for a mountain lion) and therefore cannot confirm the validity of the report on Wednesday afternoon. But, this comes about two weeks after two people reported a mountain lion near Horn Elementary , which prompted a soft lock-down.
"Our plan today is to remain vigilant," said Ann Feldmann, Iowa City School District assistant superintendent.
Feldmann said the difference in response is because the circumstances vary between the Wednesday reported sighting and the Horn case. The Horn sighting occurred earlier that morning when they imposed the soft lock-down and it was said to be on school grounds, while Wednesday's sighting occurred in a wooded area a little ways away, she said.
Feldmann said she spoke with the Hoover principal, Diane Bradford this morning, and they decided not to make changes or take any precautions other than to remain vigilant.
Whether there is a mountain lion roaming is uncertain.
Some people are suspicious that it's an exaggerated claim, and an Iowa City video appeared on YouTube in February claiming to be of a mountain lion that police say has been shot down by Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
Still, if you encounter a mountain lion, you can take steps to stay safe.
You should not run, according to a Wednesday news release from Misha Goodman, of Iowa City animal services. Provide the animal space so it can avoid you, and don't crouch because it could mistake you for an animal, Goodman said. Make eye contact, stand your ground, make yourself appear larger by extending your jacket and waving your arms and speak in a loud, firm voice, she advises.
16 Sep, 2011--
Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNH-4yLwGXGmgO5OUy4EXzhQ25P9bA&url=http://iowacity.patch.com/articles/update-school-district-vigilant-after-mountain-lion-report
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