The Santa Cruz Sheriff’s Department is warning residents of multiple mountain lion sightings around the county this month.
The sheriff’s office posted a photo on Thursday of a mountain lion in an Aptos neighborhood on May 27, following sightings in the Capitola and Watsonville areas earlier this month.
Residents are urged to stay alert and cautious. The sheriff’s department provided the following safety tips to remember when encountering a mountain lion:
- Do not run. Running may trigger its instinct to chase.
- Raise your arms.
- Open your jacket.
- Stand tall and back away slowly while facing the lion.
- Make noise. Use a loud, calm voice to assert dominance.
- Throw rocks or other objects.
- Don’t turn your back; stay facing the lion.
- Pick up small children.
- Don’t leave small children or pets outside unattended, especially at night.