When you venture outdoors in California, you run the risk of encountering some of our state's wildlife. While most animals are non-aggressive and harmless (but best left alone anyhow), there are some that can pose a direct threat to both children and adults. One of California's largest predators, the mountain lion, is known to live in Marin and throughout the Bay Area. While they're still extremely rare, it's good to know how to react and what to do in the unlikely event that you do encounter one.

The mountain lion (Puma concolor)—also known as the cougar, puma, or panther—is our own North American big cat, and a predator that can be found over much of the western United States, Mexico, and Canada. The mountain lion is in fact closely related to the domesticated housecat, but it's about the size of an adult human, and a lot stronger. Despite the publicity generated by mountain lion sightings in urban and suburban areas, as well as their rare attacks on humans, the fact is that you'll probably never see one in the wild in your lifetime. It's assumed that 80% of all alleged mountain lion sightings are in fact sightings of bobcats, deer, dogs, or domestic cats.

With our copious amounts of rainfall this season, it's little wonder that we're seeing lush amounts of vegetation in Marin's forests and meadows. Unfortunately, much of this otherwise beautiful greenery is in the form of poison oak, an irritating plant that anyone participating in outdoor activities this summer should be wary of, especially children who may not be on the lookout for this distinctive shrub with leaves grouped in threes.

Please note that this post should not be a substitute for proper medical advice—if you suspect that someone in your family has developed a reaction to poison oak, go see your doctor or a dermatologist.