Cougar Spotted in Half Moon Bay Neighborhood, Golf Course

By Bay City News Service:

A cougar was spotted in Half Moon Bay Saturday morning, according to the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff’s officials said they received a report of a cougar seen in the vicinity of 409 Burning Tree Court in the Ocean Colony housing development at 6:55 a.m.

The cougar reportedly jumped the fence into the development’s surrounding golf course.

Sheriff’s officials cautioned people to not approach the large felines, especially if one is feeding or with offspring. Most cougars will avoid confrontation.

To mitigate the danger of a potential encounter with a cougar, sheriff’s officials said people should avoid hiking or jogging during dawn, dusk, or at night and to keep a close watch on small children.

If confronted by a cougar, sheriff’s officials said people should resist running and instead, face the animal, make noise and try to look bigger by waving arms and throwing rocks or other objects.

More information about cougars can be found at www.keepmewild.org.

(Image via Shutterstock)