Mountain Lion Sighted Near Moorpark High School

Press release from the City of Moorpark:

August 25, 2020

The City of Moorpark Animal Control Division has received a call regarding a potential Mountain lion sighting. An individual reported seeing a mountain lion on the evening of Friday, August 21, 2020, near the Moorpark High School football field along the Arroyo Vista Community Park access road. This area is adjacent to the Arroyo Simi. Mountain lions, as well as coyotes, are occasionally seen in the Moorpark area seeking food and water sources.

While Mountain lions are quiet, solitary animals that normally avoid people, residents and especially pet owners should take precautions to help keep their homes and pets safe:

• Call 911 if you see a mountain lion in the area.
• Keep pets inside at night, including at dusk and dawn. Keep your dog on leash when walking off your property.
• Never leave pet food outside, and restrict use of birdseed to discourage rodents and the predators that feed on them.
• Trim and clear shrubs and other low landscaping that provides mountain lions, coyotes, and their prey.
• Use fencing to help deter mountain lions. Augment your existing fencing with outwardly inverted fencing, hot wire, etc.
• Do not allow small children to play alone in areas near open space.
• If you believe a mountain lion has attacked livestock or a pet (for example, if you see paw prints around the carcass), call the Animal Control Division at (805) 517-6267.

If you do encounter a mountain lion:

• Do not panic. Most mountain lions will try to avoid confrontation.
• Raise your arms to make yourself appear as large as possible; mountain lions prefer smaller prey.
• Slowly back away. Never run, and never turn your back toward the mountain lion. Yell at the lion and wave your arms as you back away.
• Do not make direct eye contact. Mountain lions perceive eye contact as aggressive behavior.
• If you are attacked, fight back. Try to prevent the mountain lion from getting behind you.

This press release was produced by the City of Moorpark. The views expressed here are the author’s own.