A mountain lion has been reported near Kestrel Place and an adjacent bike path in Davis, California, prompting a public advisory from the Davis Police Department.
Authorities are urging residents to exercise caution while walking, biking, or recreating in the area, particularly during early morning and evening hours when cougar activity tends to peak.
Though mountain lions are typically elusive and actively avoid humans, wildlife encounters can become dangerous under the right conditions. Police and wildlife officials are taking the sighting seriously.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife has been notified, and Davis Police officers are actively monitoring the affected area.
Residents and visitors are advised to follow standard cougar safety precautions. Do not approach or attempt to follow the animal if spotted. Keep children and pets close at all times when outdoors. Avoid jogging or cycling alone in isolated stretches of trail, and stay aware of your surroundings throughout any outdoor activity.
Anyone who spots a mountain lion in the area should call 9-1-1 immediately.
Mountain lion sightings in and around California communities have become increasingly common in recent years as development continues to push into wildlife corridors. Neighborhoods and recreational paths that border open space or wildlands are particularly susceptible to wildlife crossings.
