Mountain Lion Sighted In Lake Elsinore Neighborhood

LAKE ELSINORE, CA — A Lake Elsinore neighborhood was startled to see a large mountain lion roaming their streets, KTLA 5 reports.

Shortly before 9 p.m. Thursday, the large cat slunk between cars in one resident's driveway, then went on its way, according to front porch footage of Valerie Chapman, according to the report. The home sits near the intersection of McVicker Canyon Park and Gateway Canyon drives, close to the lake and the national forest land. While it is typical to see coyotes and rabbits, seeing a mountain lion was a brand new experience, she told the news agency.

"I was shocked," she said. "It was shocking, exciting, and scary all at the same time."

Kevin Howells of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife says that.

"Give the animal space, stay calm, and safely leave the area," Howells said if you see a mountain lion. "That animal is probably as scared as you are."

See the full report online.

What is the first thing to do if you see a mountain lion?

Don't run.

"Hold your ground, wave your hands, and shout!" California Department of Fish and Wildlife tells us.

If the lion behaves aggressively, throw stones.

"Convince the lion that you are not prey and may be dangerous to it," they say. Then, raise your arms and "make yourself big."

"Pick up small children and place them on your shoulders if you can," they say. Don't try to hide.

"The lion has seen you long before you saw it," they say.

Remember to not leave small animals outside after dark, and most importantly, report every mountain lion sighting to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife as soon as possible.