GILROY
– Two mountain lions were seen on Miller Avenue between
Christmas Hill Park and Santa Teresa Boulevard on Tuesday morning.
A motorist saw the animals cross the road, loiter briefly and then
disappear into the brush, according to a statement released by the
City of Gilroy Thursday.
GILROY – Two mountain lions were seen on Miller Avenue between Christmas Hill Park and Santa Teresa Boulevard on Tuesday morning. A motorist saw the animals cross the road, loiter briefly and then disappear into the brush, according to a statement released by the City of Gilroy Thursday.
The city is asking residents to be aware that the hillsides and undeveloped areas west of Gilroy are mountain lion habitat.
A mountain lion has also been reported behind Gavilan Community College on the southwest side of Gilroy. Warning signs have been posted for several years throughout the college campus.
Officials with Santa Clara Valley Water District said earlier this week that residents are reporting an increase in mountain lion sightings near local creeks in Santa Clara County.
While the chance of an attack by a mountain lion is considered rare, residents are being urged to use caution while on creekside trails or in parks near local waterways.
Wildlife experts are not sure why mountain lions are continuing to move down from surrounding hillsides but think they may be following deer into the valley’s stream beds.
About half of the state is considered prime mountain lion habitat. The state Department of Fish and Game describes the feline as a calm, quiet and elusive animal.
Sightings have naturally increased as more people live and play in lion habitat. Simple precautions should be taken to avoid an encounter or to minimize danger should one occur.
• Do not hike alone.
• Keep children close to you.
• Do not approach a lion.
• Do not run from a lion.
• Do not crouch down or bend over.
• Do all you can to try and appear larger.
• Fight back if attacked.
All encounters or attacks should be immediately reported to the California Department of Fish and Game’s 24-hour dispatch center at (916) 445-0045.
