The remains of a deer, apparently attacked and partially eaten by a mountain lion, were discovered Wednesday, Aug. 5, in a remote section of the University of California, Davis, campus. Another deer, also part of a research herd of black-tailed deer, was found seriously wounded. Campus officials believe the lion, which is a protected species, poses no threat to humans. However, campus researchers and safety officials are investigating the situation, along with the state Department of Fish and Game. If necessary, they will trap the lion and remove it from the area. "It's highly unusual for mountain lions to attack humans, but people should be aware that one is in the area and should exercise caution," said Bern Shanks, director of environmental health and safety on campus. One or more mountain lions were believed to have been responsible for the death of a deer in the same area in January 1991. Campus officials speculate that mountain lions occasionally travel along the Putah Creek area and perhaps come from the mountains west of UC Davis. To reach its prey, the mountain lion apparently jumped over an 8-foot fence surrounding a research herd of deer that live within a 7-acre enclosure in the western section of campus. According to Shanks, deer is a favorite food of mountain lions. The cats are also known to eat ground squirrels, rabbits, wild birds and beavers.