Can someone give me advice on Rattlesnakes and MOuntain lions.

[chicamama03]

We killed another in our yard (Santa Monica Mountains). Here' my question. I send my kids out to play. I'd like to do a *sweep* (if that makes sense) of the areas they run in (zip line, swings, etc...) any tips on how to do this?

Also, now there is a mountain lion passing through the back of our property (which backs up to over 200, 000 acres. It's, apparently a well worn train they have used for years (there are only a few in these hills (tagged and counted) but they are there. Help? Any tips. I have a wicked cattle dog and a German SHepherd (young) who will eventually get to be 100 pounds.

Thoughts or just overall feedback?

 

[Ole rooster]

Have you been in touch with the DNR? Just let them know your concerns. They may well have advise for you. Other than "they are a protected predator". The snakes, get um when you can.

 

[saddina]

Yeah avoid both snakes and lions.

Now onto practical advise, yes when the kids go out to play, go with them and check for snakes, while you're at it, check for black widows, those are far more likely to be a problem. (teach the kids to come get you if they see one, I have a son who'll rescue other spiders but will get me for them). Widows like dark areas under things, snakes like hot sunny spots. The lion, well not much you can do there, keep food garbage cleaned up (the smell of carrion can draw them), so avoid rotting meat smells. I spent years with a house backed up to a nature preserve, never saw the lions, saw a few snakes, but the widows were everywhere.

 

[smarsh]

your dogs will be the best deterrent for the cat. I don't know what to tell you about snakes, but usually they stay away from high traffic areas; increased activity will make them scarce.

 

[CupOJoe42]

Is it possible to electric fence an area? The best advice is to teach your kids how to be alert, not go near, what to do if you see one, be supervised, etc. Nothing is 100% guaranteed, but people can be taught how to be careful.