Mountain Lion Spotted Tuesday In South Orange County

MISSION VIEJO, CA — Another mountain lion sighting was reported in Mission Viejo this week, the city said Wednesday, and residents were urged to stay vigilant while walking the city's trails and parks.

The cougar was spotted on the Oso Creek Trail between La Paz and Jeronimo on Tuesday at around 3 p.m., city spokesperson Kelly Tokarski told Patch. The big cat was spotted by landscapers trimming trees in the area and quickly left upon being spotted.

Tokarski said that officers began patrolling the area and remained onsite through Tuesday night. No additional sightings have been reported since then.

“One important goal of Mission Viejo Animal Services is to be a steward of these magnificent animals while ensuring the public remains safe,” Mission Viejo Animal Services Supervisor Kyle Werner said in a statement last week. “The department works closely with state and university biologists when sightings are reported. Animal Control Officers will be providing extra patrols of the neighborhood and trails in the area.”

While mountain lions have historically roamed the region's wide green belts and creeks, the increase of technology and motion-sensor cameras have made mountain lion sightings much more prevalent.

They are generally elusive animals and avoid contact with humans, the city said.

Sightings of mountain lions, bobcats and coyotes can be reported by residents by following this link.

The city urged residents to practice the following safety tips when in areas with mountain lions.

• Take a friend with you; avoid venturing into cougar country alone.
• Be aware of your surroundings (i.e. don’t wear headphones).
• Bring a whistle or an air horn that could help scare away wild animals you may encounter.
• Keep children under the 16 close and don’t allow young children to play outdoors unsupervised. Walk with children between two adults or hold them by the hand.
• Keep your dog on a leash six feet long or less.

If you encounter a mountain lion, remember these important tips:

• Don’t run! Running will provoke the predatory chasing behavior of cougars as it would with other predators such as bears, coyotes, and wolves.
• Pick up small children or pets that are with you.
• Directly face the cougar but look at the cougar’s feet, not directly into its eyes to avoid appearing aggressive.
• If the cougar displays aggressive behavior, try to appear larger—raise your arms or open your jacket over your head.
• Make noise by yelling, blowing a whistle or an air horn.
• If you have an umbrella, quickly open and close it while facing the cougar.
• Do not approach the cougar. Give it ample space to run away – don’t corner it.
• If there are cubs, be careful not to get between them and their mother.