Mountain Lion sighting in South Salinas

SALINAS, Calif (KION-TV) - A young male mountain lion roamed through Downtown Salinas Thursday morning, something that Paulette Wilkins, who has volunteered at the Valley Art Gallery for several years, has never seen.

"Pretty scary, I just heard about it. I saw a picture of this mountain lion coming down the sidewalk," said Wilkins.

Salinas Police said they received a call a little after 1 a.m. of a mountain lion near the Monterey County court house, walking towards Old Town Salinas.

"We've spoke to a wildlife expert, and Fish and Game, and what they told us is that this mountain lion is more than likely hunkered down somewhere, hiding from human contact," said Salinas Police Sergeant Gerardo Magaña. "During the daytime and when the night time falls that's when it will retrieve back to its natural habitat."

Salinas Police has a couple of tips if people ever encounter a mountain lion: "If people are going to come out to walk in groups and also stand tall if you do encounter mountain lions. Make a lot of noise to scare it away," said Sergeant Magaña.

And for Wilkins, she's taking extra precautions so she won't encounter a mountain lion.

"[I'm] keeping the door closed until he gets caught and put out in the wild," said Wilkins.

California Fish and Wildlife said in a statement: "Our environmental scientist said this time of year, young mountain lions leave their mothers searching for their own territory. In this case, that’s what we believe happened." He said Salinas is surrounded by prime mountain lion habitat and it would not be unusual for an animal to wonder into town, especially a young lion.

Salinas police said they're working with California Fish and Wildlife, and when Fish and Wildlife capture the mountain lion, they will send it back where it belongs.

The Salinas Police department is warning people of a Mountain Lion spotting in South Salinas on Thursday morning.

Officials issued a shelter-in-place order at about 2:40 a.m., which was then lifted at 5:45 a.m. SPD sent out the following message:

"The Salinas Police Department is lifting the shelter in place for South Salinas due to a confirmed mountain lion sighting in downtown. Please be cautious of your surroundings. Take extra caution with children and animals. If you spot the mountain lion in the city, please call 9-1-1."

Police add, the mountain lion was las seen in the area of Woodside Drive and Iverson Street around 5:45 a.m.

People are urged to be cautious if you live or work in the area and to bring any pets indoors.