Full Notification

NEWS RELEASE
Release Date: July 16, 2014
Modesto Police Department
Media Relations Unit
Office of the Chief of Police
600 10th Street, Modesto, CA 95354
Author: Heather Graves

Modesto, CA – Officers searched southwest neighborhoods for a mountain lion seen running loose in the area.

Last night at about 11:00 PM, a citizen called the police to report that he saw a mountain lion running near Crows Landing Road and Whitmore Avenue. At about 4:15 AM, officers received another report of a mountain lion seen near Morgan Road and Rockefeller Drive. Officers conducted an extensive search after both reported sightings; however, they were unable to find the loose cat.

According to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, they have had an increase in wildlife sightings due to drought conditions and lack of food in the foothills.

Below are a few facts and tips to keep your family and pets safe among mountain lions.

Mountain lions are quiet, solitary and elusive, and typically avoid people. They prefer deer but, if allowed, they also eat pets and livestock. 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.

Mountain Lion facts and tips were provided by California Department of Fish and Wildlife https://www.dfg.ca.gov/keepmewild/lion.html.

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