Mountain Lion Sighting Reported In Rohnert Park

ROHNERT PARK, CA — Caution was urged Tuesday in Rohnert Park after a resident reported a mountain lion sighting.

A citizen called the Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety shortly before 6:30 a.m. Tuesday to report they saw a mountain lion on the Five Creek Trail near Crane Creek Trail, police said in a Nixle alert.

"It was seen going east toward Snyder Lane and the mountains," police said. "Please use caution in the area."

This map has yellow markers where Five Creek Trail and Crane Creek Trail meet Snyder Lane.

What To Do If You Encounter A Mountain Lion

According to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife:

• Stay alert on trails. Keep pets leashed and walk with small children, don't let them run ahead.
• Never approach a mountain lion. Give them an escape route.
• DO NOT RUN. Stay calm. Do not turn your back.
• Face the animal, make a loud noise, and try to look bigger. If with small children, put them on your shoulders.
• Do not crouch down or bend over.

"Few sightings result in a mountain lion being identified as an imminent threat to public safety," the California Department of Fish and Wildlife states on its website. "Most reports are resolved by providing species information and technical assistance. Mountain lion attacks on humans are rare. Since 1890, there have been less than 50 verified mountain lion attacks on humans in California, including six fatal incidents. In most cases, the person was alone when the attack occurred."

Read more about co-existing with mountain lions in California.