Mission Viejo Mountain Lion Startles Couple: Report

MISSION VIEJO, CA — Valerie Strowski and her husband were fast asleep before a loud noise outside startled them awake.

When the pair looked out the window, they spotted a mountain lion on their dock, which sits overlooking Lake Mission Viejo. The lion reportedly jumped into the water and swam across the lake, according to ABC7.

Read more from ABC7: Mountain lion dives into lake and swims away after startling OC couple in their home

Here some safety tips offered by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife:

• Deer-proof your property to avoid attracting a lion’s main food source.
• Remove dense vegetation from around the home to reduce hiding spaces.
• Install outdoor lighting to make it difficult for mountain lions to approach unseen.
• Do not leave small children or pets outside unattended.
• Always remember – Mountain lions are wild animals, and their behavior may be unpredictable.
• Do not hike, bike, or jog alone. Do not hike, bike or jog at dawn, dusk, or night.
• Stay alert on trails. Keep a close watch on small children and off-leash pets.
• Never approach a mountain lion. Give them an escape route.