Mountain Lion Prowling North Bay Prompts Search, Warnings

NORTH BAY, CA —

Mountain Lion screaming on Eastside of 101 Caltrans fence line. This pretty much just behind the Fire Department in Geyserville. Lots of chicken coups in this immediate area. Flashed high powered light up into trees but didn't spot it. Made enough noise to scare off but it didn't move immediately. Finally heard it about 300 yards south again. Has been some sightings lately. Not trying to scare anyone but just letting you know so you are aware. I have actually seen multiple sightings on the west side of 101 more up in the foothills. + Mountain Lion screaming on Eastside of 101 Caltrans fence line. This pretty much just behind the Fire Department in Geyserville. Lots of chicken coups in this immediate area. Flashed high powered light up into trees but didn't spot it. Made enough noise to scare off but it didn't move immediately. Finally heard it about 300 yards south again. Has been some sightings lately. Not trying to scare anyone but just letting you know so you are aware. I have actually seen multiple sightings on the west side of 101 more up in the foothills.

link to the cub story as well

A mountain lion reported moving through several residential neighborhoods in the North Bay on Sunday morning prompted a police search and warnings to residents to bring pets indoors and remain alert.

The animal was spotted in multiple backyards along Jewel Avenue, Walnut Avenue, and Shaun Court in Sebastopol, according to the Sebastopol Police Department.

Officers, along with North Bay Animal Services, said in a statement that they were searching the area at about 11 a.m. Sunday. Police asked residents to report any additional sightings immediately.

“If you live in that vicinity, it would be wise to bring any pets inside,” Sebastopol police said in a statement.

The sighting is the latest in a series of mountain lion encounters reported across the Bay Area in recent weeks. Last week, a young mountain lion wandered into San Francisco’s Pacific Heights neighborhood before being captured.

Similar sightings have frequently been reported in Sonoma, Marin, and Napa counties especially around Sebastopol and Forestville, but also in parts of Healdsburg. Although the big cats are native to the area, sightings have been increasingly close to homes.

Residents have taken to social media to share the close encounters. One woman posted that a mountain lion entered her backyard and attempted to go after her goats and geese, she wrote, adding — along with others who have also been finding traces of the cats— that she planned to keep watch with air horns while staying near her animals.

Authorities said anyone who encounter a mountain lion should avoid approaching the animal, secure pets and livestock, and report sightings so wildlife officers can respond safely.

The Sebastopol Police Department can be reached at (707) 829-4400. North Bay Animal Services can be reached at (707) 762-6227.