FILE: A mountain Lion in an undated photo at Lake Mead National Recreation Area located east of Las Vegas in Nevada. (Photo courtesy National Park Service)

The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office is advising residents in the community of Las Lomas to take precautions after two mountain lion sightings in recent days.

Employees of a local water company reported sightings of a big cat last week on May 27, and again on Wednesday in the area of the 100 block of Las Lomas Drive.

Residents are advised to avoid hiking or walking alone, especially at dawn, dusk, or nighttime and to keep pets and small children close when outdoors.

People should not approach or try to feed wildlife, the sheriff’s office said. Any additional sightings should be reported to local law enforcement or the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Las Lomas is an unincorporated community south of Watsonville in Monterey County.

The non-emergency number for the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office is (831) 755-5100.