Mountain Lion Reportedly Sighted in Bay-O-Vista Neighborhood

A mountain lion was seen Thursday night in the lower Bay-O-Vista neighborhood, said. 

A woman reportedly saw the cat around 9:30 p.m. on Benedict Drive near Grand Avenue, just east of the I-580 freeway. 

Police could not locate the cat, and no other sightings were reported.

Police offered the following suggestions for handling a mountain lion encounter:

• Do not approach a mountain lion. Give it a way to escape.
• Do not run from a mountain lion. Instead, stand and face the animal. Make eye contact.
• Do not crouch or bend over. Do all you can to appear larger. Raise your arms, open your jacket or shirt. Wave your arms slowly and speak firmly in a loud voice.
• Hold children and pets near you.
• Fight back if attacked using big sticks, stones, or any other available items.