Two Mountain Lion Sightings Reported Near Golden Eagle, Foothill Road

Two people have reported seeing  a mountain lion near residential areas  in a span of two weeks.

An unconfirmed sighting was reported in the Golden Eagle Estates on July 28.

Another was reported in the same vicinity by a resident off Foothill Road on July 21. The person who reported that sighting was able to take a quick photo (see image to the right).

Animal Control Officer Roy Ficken say the sightings shouldn't be cause for alarm. Big cats are usually more active this time of the year because there is a tremendous food supply, he said.

Ficken said in his more than 20 years of experience in Pleasanton, there has never been a big cat attack involving a human.

"It's a simple part of nature. They've never created much problems," he said.

Residents can report sightings to the Pleasanton Police Department and an officer will come out to patrol the area.

The California Department of Fish and Game has brochures on how to stay safe in areas where there are mountain lions. Tips include:

• Do not bike, hike or jog alone.
• Avoid hiking or jogging when mountain lions are most active--dawn, dusk and at night.
• Keep a close watch on small children.
• Do not approach a mountain lion.
• 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.
• If attacked fight back.

For more information, click on the PDF to download the safety brochure.