Mountain lion spotted near Pacific Grove home

Officials are urging caution after a mountain lion was caught lurking near Del Monte Park Neighborhood on Sunday.

One Pacific Grove resident told police that they saw it in their front yard. Others said they have had their own encounters with these animals. ” We had them in the backyard. One would leave its footprints, ” said Pacific Grove resident, Leslie Conley.

It’s hard to say exactly why the animal decided to venture into the residential area, but biologist with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Jeff Cann , said he has an idea. ” B ecause we just had the U.S. Open in town, with 250,000 people in a week, wildlife is probably displaced to a lot of different locations, ” said Cann .

Cann has worked as a wildlife biologist for the past 28 years. He said mountain lions go where they can get food, and that their meal of choice is deer. Deer are commonly found in Pacific Grove and Pebble Beach. ” Since mountain lions like to eat deer it makes sense to do things in your yard. We have a brochure called The Gardeners Guide to Preventing Deer Damage. It lists vegetation that people can use that is less desirable to deer, ” said Cann .

Cann said avoiding planting flowers like roses and petunias may help keep deer away. In return, their predators will follow. Cann said this eco-friendly option can create a level of safety around your home.

Fortunately, Cann said mountain lions do not target people. In the case that you do find yourself near the animal, he recommends making yourself appear large, facing the animal, and backing away slowly.

” I know they’ve always been here. They just don’t want to be seen. You just have to careful, ” said Conley.

To report a mountain lion sighting call the Pacific Grove Police Department at 831-648-3143.