Possible mountain lion sighting in Winters has police on alert — what they’re telling residents
A possible mountain lion spotting in Winters near the Putah Creek corridor has alerted police, who are warning residents to be safe while hiking or jogging.
Police in a message posted to social media said the mountain lion may have been seen in the area of Creekside Way. A mountain lion sighting is not uncommon in Winters, officers said.
“Winters has experienced sighting before. Mountain lions, seen in and around Winters before, seem to mainly enjoy the Putah Creek corridor and surrounding areas,” the message read. “Thankfully, most of the sightings have been tracks — but some of our residents have had closer encounters.”
Officials offered several recommendations to stay safe:
▪ Do not hike, bike, or jog alone and avoid hiking or jogging when mountain lions are most active – dawn, dusk, and at night.
▪ Do not run. If you encounter a mountain lion, face the animal, make noise and try to look bigger by waving your arms; throw rocks or other objects.
▪ If walking with small children, pick them up.
▪ Fight back if a lion attacks. Call 911 immediately if a person is attacked.
More information can be found on the California Department of Fish and Wildlife web page at wildlife.ca.gov/keep-me-wild/lion and on the Mountain Lion Foundation’s website at mountainlion.org.
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