On Sunday at approximately 2:30 AM, the Sonoma Police Department was notified of a mountain lion sighting in the area of Broadway and MacArthur Drive.
Upon arrival, the officer located a mountain lion in a parking lot adjacent to Nathason Creek. When the mountain lion saw the officer, it ran into the creek area and eventually disappeared. The California Department of Fish and Game was notified.
Under California law, wild animals, such as mountain lions, fall under the jurisdiction of the California Department of Fish and Game. The City of Sonoma’s Animal Control Officers will be working with Fish and Game to address the issue.
In the meantime, warnings will be posted along the bike path, Sonoma Overlook Trail, and the Mountain Cemetery. Residents should exercise caution and call 911 if they spot a mountain lion.
Over the past few years, there have been numerous mountain lion sightings within Sonoma County, including communities of Healdsburg, Windsor, and Santa Rosa.
Below is some information from the California Department of Fish and Game regarding mountain lions in California. More information can be found at www.mountainlion.org
Information about Mountain Lions in California
More than half of California is mountain lion habitat. Mountain lions generally exist wherever deer are found. They are solitary and elusive, and their nature is to avoid humans.
Mountain lions prefer deer but, if allowed, they also eat pets and livestock. In extremely rare cases, even people have fallen prey to mountain lions.
Mountain lions that threaten people are immediately killed. Those that prey on pets or livestock can be killed by a property owner after the required depredation permit is secured. Moving problem mountain lions is not an option. It causes deadly conflicts with other mountain lions already there. Or the relocated mountain lion returns.
Help prevent deadly conflicts with these beautiful wild animals.
Living in Mountain Lion Country
• Don’t feed deer; it is illegal in California and it will attract mountain lions.
• Deer-proof your landscaping by avoiding plants that deer like to eat. For tips, request A Gardener’s Guide to Preventing Deer Damage from DFG offices.
• Trim brush to reduce hiding places for mountain lions.
• Don’t leave small children or pets outside unattended.
• Install motion-sensitive lighting around the house.
• Provide sturdy, covered shelters for sheep, goats, and other vulnerable animals.
• Don’t allow pets outside when mountain lions are most active—dawn, dusk, and at night.
• Bring pet food inside to avoid attracting raccoons, opossums and other potential mountain lion prey.
Staying Safe in Mountain Lion Country
Mountain lions are quiet, solitary and elusive, and typically avoid people.
Mountain lion attacks on humans are extremely rare. However, conflicts are increasing as California’s human population expands into mountain lion habitat.
• Do not hike, bike, or jog alone.
• Avoid hiking or jogging when mountain lions are most active—dawn, dusk, and at night.
• Keep a close watch on small children.
• Do not approach a mountain lion.
• If you encounter a mountain lion, do not run; instead, face the animal, make noise and try to look bigger by waving your arms; throw rocks or other objects. Pick up small children.
• If attacked, fight back.
• If a mountain lion attacks a person,immediately call 911.
