Mo. mountain lions rare but dangerous

KIRKWOOD, Mo. (AP) - They're rare in Missouri, but they're dangerous, and state Department of Conservation officials are offering a few tips if you encounter a mountain lion.

Twenty-eight mountain lion sightings have been recorded in Missouri since 1994, including a suspected mountain lion photographed last year on a motion-activated camera in St. Louis County.

KMOX Radio reports that mountain lions were the topic of a conference last weekend at Powder Valley Nature Center in Kirkwood. Conservation department spokesman Dan Zarlenga says if you see one, don't turn and run -- that could evoke the animal's chase instinct.

Instead, Zarlenga suggests making yourself look bigger by spreading out a jacket or coat, and making a lot of noise or waving objects to make yourself more threatening.