Mission Viejo Mountain Lion Sighting, Residents Urged To Use Caution

MISSION VIEJO, CA — A mountain lion was spotted over the weekend near the cross streets of Los Alisos Boulevard and Via Noveno, according to a Mission Viejo city spokesperson.

Mission Viejo Animal Services officers were tracking a mountain lion that was first seen Saturday afternoon, they said. They posted signs in the area to alert residents, dog walkers, and hikers of the potential dangers due to the large cat's appearance.

Personnel from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and Orange County Sheriff's Department Police Services officers were monitoring the large mountain lion.

Residents expressed their concern and gratefulness at the attention over the social posting.

"Wow, and I thought it was a bit out there that I watched a large coyote come up out of the Glen and cross the road right in front of me as I drove to work Friday morning," one resident commented. "He had a rabbit in his mouth and went up the slope just past Via Santa Lucia, which is the next road after Noveno."

Others warned each other about keeping small dogs and housecats safe.

"Mountain lions hunt deer, which live in the surrounding area, as well as coyotes, raccoons, skunks, opossums, rodents, rabbits, and other small mammals," according to the city. "They do not typically prey on domestic animals unless an opportunity arises."

These cats are solitary and elusive, and they usually avoid humans as much as possible. Stay safer by remembering to:

• Be aware.
• Don’t walk alone, bring a friend.
• Wear bright and highly contrasting clothing.
• Watch for signs and trail postings.
• Avoid jogging or mountain biking in low light conditions at dusk and dawn.
• Stay on the trail.
• Supervise children and keep them within arm’s reach.
• Keep pets on a secure leash.
• Keep pets indoors.
• Don’t approach any wild animal.
• Give wildlife the time and space to steer clear of you.
• Try to look as large as you can and do not crouch down if you see a mountain lion.

They said mountain lions are helpful in maintaining order in our ecosystem and in keeping other wildlife numbers in check.

If you encounter a mountain lion, report the sighting immediately to Mission Viejo Animal Services at 949-470-3045 or the Orange County Sheriff's Department at 949-770-6011.

For more information on mountain lions, visit the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website at wildlife.ca.gov.

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