Narrator: This is Science Today. A recent mountain lion attack and fatal mauling of bicyclists at a popular Southern California park, has put the public on the alert about one of nature's top predators. Although such attacks are rare, Lee Fitzhugh, a University of California, Davis wildlife specialist, says in the event of a chance encounter, the best bet is defensive aggression - such as shouting and waving arms - while maintaining consistent eye contact.

Fitzhugh: You don't want to take your eyes away from the mountain lion. You look away, it gives the mountain lion a chance to attack. And if you have to bend down to pick up a rock or a stick or something like that, I would recommend that you do that, but at the same time you keep your eyes on the mountain lion and bend down in such a way that it looks like you're getting ready to jump on it.

Narrator: The threat of encountering an American mountain lion has become an increasing problem in Southern California, as more housing developments border rural areas that are home to wildlife.

Fitzhugh: Attacks are rare and shouldn't be overblown, but people at the same time should know how to respond and should prepare themselves.

Narrator: For Science Today, I'm Larissa Branin.