Mountain Lion Sighting Reported In Fairfield: Fire Related?

SOLANO COUNTY, CA – A mountain lion seen Friday afternoon in Fairfield may have been forced from its habitat by fire and smoke from the North Bay wildfires, police said.

The animal was seen at 3:15 p.m. near a business in the 2500 block of Martin Road.

Police said it was last seen walking in a northerly direction and then out of sight. Officers searched the area but did not find the animal.

Mountain lions occasionally find their way into urban areas and often will wander back into their habitat on their own.

Police recommend residents avoid approaching, interacting or trying to capture a mountain lion but rather call police to report the sighting.

Avoid hiking or jogging alone in parks or rural areas. Bring small children and animals indoors.

Police said someone who comes across a mountain lion should not run but face the animal, stand upright, wave one's arms and make noise to scare the animal off.

Trim nearby brush to reduce the number of hiding places for mountain lions and install motion-sensitive lights around the house.

Mountain lions are most active during the early morning, evening and nighttime hours.

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