Morgan Hill police Thursday reported three mountain lion
sightings in the Woodland/Llagas area northwest of Morgan Hill this
month.
Morgan Hill police Thursday reported three mountain lion sightings in the Woodland/Llagas area northwest of Morgan Hill this month.
In a sighting Thursday morning, a large cat was seen in a tree at the corner of Castle Hill and Llagas avenues and in the nearby Woodland area, further west along Llagas and WoodlandRoad near Chesboro Reservoir.
The mostly rural area is wooded and hilly.
Police will be passing out fliers to residents in the area today, Police Chief Jerry Galvin said.
“We don’t want anyone to panic but at the same time we want them to be aware,” Galvin said. He added that the animal has not approached humans.
In past weeks police have received an increased number of reports of missing cats and dogs in the area.
State and county fish and game officials have been notified.
The last reported lion sighting was January 2002 in the Holiday Lakes Estates area east of the city when a resident reported seeing “a very large cat.”
The California mountain lion is a “special protected mammal” and lives in the state’s mountainous areas, including the east and west hills surrounding Morgan Hill. For information about living with the California mountain lion contact the Morgan Hill Animal Control Office at 776-7300. If you have an encounter with a mountain lion you should immediately contact police dispatchers at 779-2101.
If you live in mountain lion habitat, here’s what you can do to reduce your chances of encountering a mountain lion near your home:
• Don’t feed wildlife • Deer-proof your landscape • Landscape for safety: Remove dense and or low-lying vegetation especially around children’s play areas • Keep pets secure. • Don’t feed pets outside as this can attract other mountain lion prey • Install outdoor lighting • Keep livestock secure • Keep children safe
