Mountain Lion Captured On Video In Downtown Sonora

Sonora, CA — A mountain lion walking outside a home near Sonora High School was captured on a security camera.

Kayla Woods tells Clarke Broadcasting the animal was spotted in footage that was taken Saturday night, March 26, 2022 at 11:00 P.M. The video shows the cat dashing up some steps to a home off Columbia Way. Even in a slow-motion replay, the mountain lion can be seen moving quickly to get away from lights triggered by its movement.

Mountain Lions were also seen last year in March 2021 along Dragoon Gulch Trail as detailed here. 

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has released some tips for safely living and recreating in areas where mountain lions are present.

Living With Mountain Lions

• Deer-proof your property to avoid attracting a lion’s main food source.
• Remove dense vegetation from around the home to reduce hiding spaces.
• Install outdoor lighting to make it difficult for mountain lions to approach unseen.
• Secure livestock and outdoor large pets in sturdy, covered shelters at night.
• Always remember – Mountain lions are wild animals and their behavior may be unpredictable (like any wildlife).

Mountain Lion Encounters

• Do not hike, bike, or jog alone. Do not hike, bike, or jog at dawn, dusk, or at night.
• Stay alert on trails. Keep a close watch on small children and off-leash pets.
• Never approach a mountain lion. Give them an escape route.
• DO NOT RUN. Stay calm. Do not turn your back. Face the animal, make noise, and try to look bigger.
• Do not crouch down or bend over.

The Mother Lode is in CDFW Region 4 and gets hundreds of reports every year of mountain lions killing pets and livestock. Residents can report mountain lion conflicts by contacting the Fresno office at (559) 243-4005 or call 911 in the event of any emergency situation.