Mission Viejo Animal Services providing extra patrols after early morning mountain lion sighting

Mission Viejo Animal Services is providing additional patrols in the area of La Paz Road and Arbolitos after a mountain lion sighting early this morning.  

While mountain lions have always roamed the wide green belts and creeks through southern Orange County, with the increase of technology and motion-sensor cameras, sightings have become much more prevalent. Mountain lions are generally extremely elusive animals and avoid contact with humans. 

Animal Control Officers investigated the sighting this morning and determined there was no unusual behavior by the big cat, which seemed to be passing through the area.  

“One important goal of Mission Viejo Animal Services is to be a steward of these magnificent animals while ensuring the public remains safe,” said Mission Viejo Animal Services Supervisor Kyle Werner. “The department works closely with state and university biologists when sightings are reported. Animal Control Officers will be providing extra patrols of the neighborhood and trails in the area.” 

Sightings of mountain lions, bobcats and coyotes can be reported online at this link.  

It is always important to practice the following safety precautions when in areas with mountain lions: 

• Take a friend with you; avoid venturing into cougar country alone. 
• Be aware of your surroundings (i.e. don’t wear headphones). 
• Bring a whistle or an air horn that could help scare away wild animals you may encounter. 
• Keep children under the 16 close and don’t allow young children to play outdoors unsupervised. Walk with children between two adults or hold them by the hand. 
• Keep your dog on a leash six feet long or less.

While this was a routine sighting, if you encounter a mountain lion, remember these important tips:  

• Don’t run! Running will provoke the predatory chasing behavior of cougars as it would with other predators such as bears, coyotes, and wolves. 
• Pick up small children or pets that are with you. 
• Directly face the cougar but look at the cougar’s feet, not directly into its eyes to avoid appearing aggressive. 
• If the cougar displays aggressive behavior, try to appear larger—raise your arms or open your jacket over your head. 
• Make noise by yelling, blowing a whistle or an air horn. 
• If you have an umbrella, quickly open and close it while facing the cougar. 
• Do not approach the cougar. Give it ample space to run away – don’t corner it. 
• If there are cubs, be careful not to get between them and their mother.