Video: Wild Cat Meanders Near Coto De Caza Home

COTO DE CAZA, CA — A wild cat, most likely a bobcat, was captured on Neighbor's app video Christmas night in Coto de Caza. The video shows the wild animal as it ambled by a small patio, where it found a spot to perch for several minutes.

It can be seen perking its ears to sounds, unseen in the darkness, beyond.

Such sightings make pet owners a bit uneasy. Still, the creatures are solitary and elusive, and their nature is to avoid humans, a spokesperson from California Department of Fish and Wildlife wrote on their website.

"Looks like a bobcat or mountain lion on the prowl," the homeowner wrote on the Neighbor's app. "Watch your doggies!"

According to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, over half of the Golden State is a natural habitat to both bobcats and mountain lions.

How Do You Know If You've Seen A Mountain Lion or Bobcat?

While those with mountain lion phobia may mistake bobcats for their larger relatives, there are ways to tell them apart. Back in 2012, Patch spoke with experts who outlined the differences between mountain lions and bobcats, both of which are considerably bigger than house cats:

SIZE

• Bobcats are about 30 inches long and weigh between 15 to 35 pounds.
• Mountain lions are usually 52 to 54 inches long and weigh between 100 and 175 pounds.

TAIL

• Bobcats have a short bobtail that's about 5 inches long.
• Mountain lions have a long and cylindrical tail with a dark tip. The tail is usually 30 to 36 inches long.

EARS

• Bobcats have tufted ears, where hair sticks up from the top of the ear.

COLOR

• Bobcats are an orangish color and have black spots.
• Mountain lions are uniform in color and have a tawny coloration (a tan orangish-brownish color).

FOOD

• Mountain lions mainly eat deer. (They can feast on one deer carcass for a week, hiding it in bushes and staying in the area. If you ever encounter a deer carcass in bushes with leaves and twigs on top of it, don't stick around.)
• Bobcats feast on smaller creatures, such as rabbits, rodents and chickens.

If you live in mountain lion country, here are a few considerations for the safety of you and your pets:

• Acknowledge that you live in mountain lion country and make a commitment to educate yourself. Talk to your neighbors and work together.
• Never feed deer or other wildlife; it is illegal to feed deer and other big game in California, and it will attract mountain lions.
• Deer-proof your landscaping by avoiding plants that deer like to eat. For tips, request A Gardener’s Guide to Preventing Deer Damage, from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
• Trim brush to reduce hiding places for mountain lions.
• Don’t leave small children or pets outside unattended.
• Install motion-sensitive lighting around the house.
• Provide sturdy, covered shelters for sheep, goats and other vulnerable animals.
• Don’t allow pets outside when mountain lions are most active—dawn, dusk and at night.
• Bring pet food inside to avoid attracting raccoons, opossums and other potential mountain lion prey.

What to do if you encounter a mountain lion

Attacks by the large cats are rare but have occurred, officials say. The key is to understand the mountain lion's behavior and act to responsibly in their presence.

Although no strategy in the event of an encounter is guaranteed to be successful in every situation, these tips will help keep you safe in lion country.

• Do not hike, bike or jog alone. Stay alert on trails.
• Avoid hiking or jogging when mountain lions are most active – dawn, dusk and at night.
• Keep a close watch on small children.
• Off leash dogs on trails are at increased risk of becoming prey for a mountain lion.
• Never approach a mountain lion. Give them an escape route.
• DO NOT RUN. Stay calm. Running may trigger a chase-catch-kill response. Do not turn your back. Face the animal, make noise and try to look bigger by waving your arms, or opening your jacket if wearing one; throw rocks or other objects. Pick up small children.
• Do not crouch down or bend over. Squatting puts you in a vulnerable position of appearing much like a four-legged prey animal.
• Be vocal; however, speak calmly and do not use high pitched tones or high pitch screams.
• Teach others how to behave during an encounter. Anyone who runs may initiate an attack.
• Carry and know how to use bear spray to deter a mountain lion. Bear spray has been shown to be successful in emergency situations with mountain lions. Have the spray readily accessible. Carry the spray in a holster belt or attach it to a bike. Talk to the folks at your local outdoor store. Make sure you know how to properly use bear spray. People have been known to spray their own faces when attempting to use it.
• If a lion attacks, fight back. Research on mountain lion attacks suggests that many potential victims have fought back successfully with rocks, sticks, garden tools, even an ink pen or bare hands. Try to stay on your feet. If knocked down, try to protect head and neck.
• If a mountain lion attacks a person, immediately call 911.
• Report unusual mountain lion behavior to your local CDFW regional office.

Understanding mountain lion behavior and how to act responsibly in mountain lion country may greatly reduce potential conflict with these majestic animals, according to Fish and Wildlife.

Read also:

Watch: Foxes Play, Chase In Cortland Neighbor's Yard

Watch: Possible Bobcat Spotted In Pleasantville

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