Police Warn Of Increased Mountain Lion Sightings In Nearby Morgan Hill

Morgan Hill police have received a spike in calls of a mountain lion sighted in the city’s southwest area within the past two weeks, a police spokesman said.

The sightings occurred near Spring and Barnell avenues near Mount Hope Cemetery, police Sgt. Ray Ramos said.

The cemetery is situated on a foothill behind a small mountain range and several neighborhoods are in the area, Ramos said. In the past week, there have been three reported sightings, most recently around 8 a.m. today when a driver spotted the big cat and notified police, Ramos said.

Many drivers and passersby saw the lion on the hilltop about 50 to 100 yards away from the street, according to Ramos.

Residents who encounter a mountain lion are advised to keep their distance and not make any sudden movements, according to Ramos. If a big cat becomes aggressive, people should appear larger by extending their arms in a “slow and subtle” manner, Ramos said.

Anyone who spots a mountain lion in the area is asked to call 911. More information on what do when faced with a mountain lion can be found online at http://www.mountainlion.org/portalprotectencounters.asp.

--Bay City News/File photo