In regards to the mountain lion problems in the Penn Valley area: Everyone in Nevada County should be on high alert.

The behavior the animal is displaying is called "habituation." Habituation is a behavior that has been well-documented by animal behavior scientists. It means simply the animal has lost its fear of people and does not act like a wild animal any longer.

Usually, in the areas where there have been attacks by mountain lions, there have been several documented cases of lions acting very boldly and threatening around people.

Many times this has been well-documented and goes on for quite some time, before a human attack or fatality occurs.

Based on horrific statistics and clear scientific documentation, the Department of Fish and Game should take steps to destroy this mountain lion. It has already displayed that it is habituated to people and is a threat to our community.

History shows that communities do not want to destroy any creature that is so wonderful and beautiful as the mountain lion, until a local fatality occurs.

Lori Anderson

Grass Valley