Mountain Lion Sightings Reported In Pleasanton

PLEASANTON, CA — Pleasanton police this week alerted the community to two mountain lion sightings near the Vintage Hills area.

“Both the Pleasanton Police Department and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife responded to these calls and conducted independent searches for the animal,” police said. “They have determined that the lion is not a public safety risk at this time.”

Police said the sightings are normal during the warmer months.

"If you have any recent photos or video of the mountain lion, please contact the police department at (925) 931-5100 so we can gather more information about this animal and its travel patterns," police said.

While again it would be rare for a mountain lion to approach humans, you can follow a few simple rules to keep you and your family safe:

• Do not feed deer. It is illegal in California and it will attract mountain lions.
• If you see a mountain lion DO NOT APPROACH IT, especially one that is feeding or with offspring. Most mountain lions will try to avoid confrontation.
• Avoid hiking or jogging through wooded areas when mountain lions are most active—dawn, dusk, or at night.
• Keep a close watch on small children when hiking or traveling in or about wooded areas.
• If you encounter a mountain lion, do not run; instead, face the animal, make noise and try to look bigger by waving your arms; throw rocks or other objects. Pick up small children.
• For more information about mountain lions click here www.keepmewild.org

Photo zaranda via Shutterstock