Cruz

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Mountain Lion Spotted In Santa Cruz
Keep pets inside and be on the lookout, ready to report any big cat sightings and follow safety practices.

• Courtney Teague, Patch Staff
  
  
• Posted Wed, Dec 30, 2020 at 8:30 am PT|Updated Wed, Dec 30, 2020 at 11:33 am PT
  

Call 911 if you feel threatened by a mountain lion. When safe, report the sighting at 866-945-3911. (Shutterstock)

SANTA CRUZ, CA — An adult mountain lion was spotted Tuesday in Santa Cruz.
The big cat has been spotted in Westside Santa Cruz, in the area of Mission and Bay streets, according to the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter. It was seen near the north end of the Neary Lagoon early Tuesday morning.
The public is asked to keep pets indoors at night, and use caution when in the area of the lagoon and follow basic safety measures if a mountain lion is spotted, the animal shelter said.

Do not turn your back to the animal or run if the animal is standing, facing you or acting aggressively, the animal shelter said. This could prompt a chase. Instead, yell, shout, make loud noises and maintain eye contact as you slowly back away. Throw stones, branches or other items at the animal if necessary, the shelter said.
Call 911 if you feel you are in danger.

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If a mountain lion is calm, lying down or turned away from you, back away slowly and report the sighting to the state Department of Fish and Wildlife from a safe distance, the shelter said. Report the sighting here or by calling 866-945-3911.

The puma was caught and relocated (the article reporting that was behind a paywall).

Neary Lagoon was where I lived when I first came to the Cruz in '86. The apartment complex that I rented for my first year of grad school was on the edge of the lagoon. It was lovely. 

This is about 2 miles from where we live now. 

Stacy has been troubled by the increase in coyotes and mountain lions in our area. She takes Yuki for walks at dawn - a time when twilight predators prowl. The fire destruction is driving them down into our hood. Plus there's the anti-maskers. If we could only get those coyotes and pumas to wear masks.