‘Prowler’ lurking in backyard of California home turns out to be elusive predator
A “prowler” lurking in a California backyard turned out to be an elusive predator.
Police made their way to an Antioch home just before 9 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 2, after a resident reported hearing “prowler” noises coming from behind a home, Antioch Animal Services said in an Oct. 3 Facebook post.
Using a drone, officers spotted the elusive feline and confirmed it was a juvenile mountain lion about the size of an adult Rottweiler, the agency said.
Wednesday’s sighting is among a growing number of recent reports of mountain lions in the city, the agency said.
In a month, the agency said it has received four other reports about mountain lions.
“There may be at least two mountain lions” making more frequent visits in residential areas, including the Hillcrest Park area, James Donlon / Contra Loma area and near Mokelumne Trail, according to the agency.
“Mountain lion attacks are uncommon and close encounters are usually rare in our area, but it is not unheard of to have mountain lion sightings in the vicinity of trails, easements or the open spaces throughout our City,” the agency said.
The felines are drawn to yards with pets, such as chickens and cats, the agency said, adding that owners should bring in their pets inside at night.
“Water sources that attract wildlife also attract the big kitties,” the agency said.
The agency urged residents to remove any food that may attract stray cats and wildlife.
Antioch is about a 45-mile drive northeast from San Francisco.
What to do if you see a mountain lion
Mountain lions are typically “calm, quiet and elusive,” according to the National Park Service. While attacks involving mountain lions are rare, they are possible.
“Even so, the potential for being killed or injured by a mountain lion is quite low compared to many other natural hazards,” the National Park Service said on its website. “There is a far greater risk, for example, of being killed in an automobile accident with a deer than of being attacked by a mountain lion.”
Officials said there are some things you can do to prevent a mountain lion encounter from becoming an attack.
Stay calm and back away slowly.
Face the lion and stand up straight.
Don’t approach a mountain lion, especially if it’s with kittens.
Don’t run. It could stimulate a mountain lion’s chase instincts.
Pick up small children so they don’t panic or run away.
Don’t bend over or crouch down.
Throw things at the mountain lion if it continues to move toward you.
If the mountain lion attacks, fight back using anything around you.
Report all sightings, encounters or attacks to local park rangers or law enforcement.
This story was originally published October 4, 2024 at 12:09 PM with the headline "‘Prowler’ lurking in backyard of California home turns out to be elusive predator."
