I read with sinking heart the latest diatribe against our virtually extinct local mountain lion population. Anne Hoffman believes that what few mountain lions remain should be re-located (to where!) because she is fortunate enough to have the means and the free will to have chosen to live in an area bordered by plant and wildlife, rather than cityscape, and because she maintains an irrational fear for her daughter’s safety. The 45 mountain lion attacks spanning a decade across two countries as vast as the United States and Canada that Ms. Hoffman cites in support of her cause, is grounds more for reassurance than alarm. ndeed, Anne Hoffman herself driving her daughter to school on P. C. H., statistically presents more of a hazard to the local human population.
Simply because the Santa Monica Mountain area is not a designated Wilderness area, does not give rise to grounds to destroy it, or “relocate” its inhabitants. This attitude suggests that only those natural environments specifically protected by law merit preservation, or those on which we make value judgements and resulting life or death pronouncements. This result would certainly delight developers, such as Mr. Sweeney whom Ms. Hoffman was so quick to defend.
More productive than researching statistics on mountain lion attacks from their living rooms, mothers would better spend their time taking their children outdoors and teaching them how best to observe nature with minimal risk, and to delight in their surroundings. It is only ignorance of nature which breeds unreasonable fear. To this end, there is an extraordinary opportunity to learn and study directly from this very diverse eco-system that struggles (for now!) in our backyards. If you are untutored in the local flora and fauna, there are many local organizations from which to take advantage.
Anne Hoffman would like to make the decision for future generations, including my daughter. Ms. Hoffman has decided that no one, now or in years to come, should have the thrill of observing these incredible animals in our mountains. It is fortunately, not her decision to make.
Selma Horowitz