A big cat may be lurking somewhere in the Antioch lowlands. According to Antioch Animal Services, someone recently reported a possible mountain lion sighting.
The animal was spotted near the Bluecurl Court and Bluebell Circle area.
AAS said there have been other mountain lion sightings over the years “without incident” in the areas of Harbor Park, Sutter Delta Hospital on Lone Tree Way and “most often” around the water tower in the vicinity of Danridge Court off Lone Tree Way, near the Delta De Anza Regional Trail.
“It may come as a surprise to many newer Antioch residents and some of our longtime residents that we have mountain lions (or a mountain lion) in the area, but with easy access to Black Diamond Mines and Contra Loma Regional Parks via the many wonderful trails, PG&E easements and lots of expanses of open space that are dotted between the residential areas, traversing the City of Antioch is a breeze for our big cats, coyotes and more,” AAS said on social media.
AAS said people should be mindful if walking at dusk in the Hillcrest Park area or if they keep pets in their yards.
“Human encounters with mountain lions are rare and the risk of an attack is infinitely small,” AAS said. “You are more likely to drown in your bathtub, be killed by a pet dog, or hit by lightning. If lions had any natural urge to hunt people, there would be attacks every single day. Instead, they try to avoid us.”
Mountain lions are most active between dusk and dawn, when people should avoid walking dogs or alone. AAS said never approach a mountain lion and, if encountering one, stop and don’t run. Maintain eye contact, stand tall, look bigger by opening your coat or raising your arms. Throw items at the cat, if necessary. And give the animal room to move away.
The Mountain Lion Foundation offers more information about the animals on its website.