Update: Caution Urged with Cougar Sightings Near Chaparral

Updated 6 p.m. Wednesday

The second reported sighting of a mountain lion near Chaparral Elementary School in two days had parents on edge Wednesday, but officials have yet to find one in repeated searches.

Still, officials are urging people in the area—especially joggers—to be careful while out because mountain lions (or cougars) are common in this part of the state and county.

"This is not a surprise to the department," said Andrew Hughan, an information officer with the state Department of Fish and Game.

The department searched the area around the school on Tuesday and Wednesday but found "no direct evidence"—such as tracks—that a mountain lion was there, Hughan said.

But that doesn't mean the animals aren't there, he said, and encouraged people to be careful. Students were kept indoors on both days and Poway Unified School District officials sent letters to parents about the sightings.

Those who come across a mountain lion should yell, throw rocks, wave clothing and try to "look large," Hughan said.

"Mountain lions are more afraid of you than you are of them," he said, adding that no further searches are planned.

The following note went out to Chaparral parents on Wednesday after the second reported sighting. A similar note also went out to parents at Painted Rock Elementary School in Poway, with the additional note that after-school flag football with Fit Kids has been canceled for the day.

Dear Parents,

Today, a second sighting of a mountain lion near Chaparral was reported by a parent. The Department of Fish and Game has responded, and at this time they are still investigating.

In an abundance of caution, and due to the heat today, we have kept students off of the playground for the remainder of the day. We will employ extra supervision at dismissal. If you have any information regarding this matter, please contact the Poway Sheriff's Department.

Thank you,
Miss Zwibel
Chaparral Elementary

On Tuesday, a similar incident put school officials on alert. Patch reported:

According to Sgt. Daniel Vengler, a Poway resident said she looked through a window and saw a cougar run by her property at about 10:45 a.m. Deputies scoured the area on foot and with a helicopter but did not find any traces of a cougar or similar animal.