UPDATE: MOUNTAIN LION SIGHTING @ Aliso Creek Trail, 3/1

I received an email from a fellow runner regarding Aliso Creek Trail this morning.  Please read below and be careful on ANY trail. 

In fact, my suggestion is to run in pairs.  If that is not possible then ALWAYS take the following precautions:

• Run in daytime when possible
• Do not wear headphones when running solo (how will you hear if a car or person approaches you?)
• Wear bright clothing
• Carry mace or some type of defense mechanism with you
• Or carry your cell phone
• Tell someone what trail you are running and how long you expect to be gone (or leave a note if there's no one home to tell)
• When facing a mountain lion the best "approach" is to make yourself as big as possible and NOT run away
• If you see something suspicious on the trail, warn people heading that direction and call the police

Below is the email regarding the Mountain Lion Sighting and details:

Hi Ladies,

I wanted to inform everyone of a mountain lion sighting that I personally

was involved in this morning. My girlfriend and I were running the trail

that goes parallel to El Toro (I think it's called Aliso Creek Trail) early

this morning at 5:30. Our turnaround point was at the Toll Road Bridges and

about 1/2 mile from that on our way back home, we encountered a mountain

lion on the path. At this point it was probably 6 AM. He/She didn't see us,

until we stopped and were startled. He/she wasn't stalking us but kept

walking towards us slowly. I sounded my horn which made him/her stop

initially but then he/she continued to walk towards us. At that point, there

was enough distance between us and him/her that we started to run the other

way (which I know is not what you are supposed to do, but we had no other

option). We ran back another mile until the road was close enough for us to

run up the hill for safety. He/she did not run after us, but continued in

our direction. I kept sounding the horn and I think that helped. I truly

believe we were just crossing paths, we were not intended prey so we were

left alone. I wanted to bring it to everyone's attention as I know many of

us use this trail. My advice is to make sure to carry some type of

protection, horn, spray, etc. I called the Rangers and they said they would

investigate as well. Just wanted to pass along. Feel free to email or call

me if you have any questions.

Be aware out there!