Mountain Lions Spotted Near OC Elementary School
Two recent mountain lions sightings have been reported at Thomas F. Riley Wilderness Park in Orange County. The park is located near Wagon Wheel Elementary School. Park rangers have scanned the areas for tracks, notified school officials and put up signs to notify hikers of the possible presence of the native cats.
The first sighting occurred on October 15 during a ranger-led sunset hike on Oak Canyon Trail around 5:45pm. "They saw a mountain lion jump on the trail and run parallel past them and disappear in the brush," said Marisa O'Neil, public information officer for OC Parks, according to The OC Register. O'Neil said that the mountain lion behaved in a typical manner, avoiding the humans. Another smaller mountain lion was spotted about 50 feet from the first sighting. The wild cat disappeared into the brush, and the hikers decided to end their nature stroll.
On Sunday another mountain lion was spotted in the bed of Wagon Wheel Creek, north of Stonecliff bridge. A parent whose son saw the animal reported the incident.
OC Animal Care and California Department of Fish and Game officials were notified of the incidents, but no further actions have been taken. The animals are native to the area and did not display unusual behavior. "If it were acting aggressively or didn't display fear, then they'd be more likely to take action," O'Neil said.
An increase in the area's deer population may be the cause of the recent sightings. O'Neil says that, while on trails, parents should keep children in front of them and also noted a few tips for mountain lion spotters.
*Remain calm
*Do not run
*Try to appear larger
*Make a lot of noise
