Mountain Lion Sightings Reported In Cotati, Petaluma

ROHNERT PARK AND COTATI, CA — The public was asked to be on guard Thursday morning after a mountain lion sighting was reported in Cotati, possibly moving toward Rohnert Park.

Around 6 a.m., police in Cotati and Rohnert Park issued Nixle alerts stating a large wild cat was seen just south of Myrtle Avenue and may be moving toward the L section of Rohnert Park.

The Cotati sighting came after several people reported seeing a mountain lion in the 1300 block of North McDowell Boulevard in Petaluma — some five miles south of Myrtle Avenue by way of Old Redwood Highway.

Around 12:15 a.m. Thursday, Petaluma police dispatchers began to receive calls of a mountain lion spotted in the parking lots near Kohl's and Home2 Suites Hotel. Numerous callers were certain they saw a mountain lion at a close distance as it traveled between the nearby hotel and other nearby closed stores, Petaluma police Sgt. Ryan Suhrke said.

Several Petaluma police officers and animal control officers saturated the area in a search for the large cat but did not find it.

A Nixle alert was sent out to make the public aware of the potentially hazardous situation, and several Petaluma police and animal control officers saturated the area in a search for the large cat.

Although the mountain lion was not located, the Petaluma Police Department wanted the public to know they could return to the area but should remain aware of their surroundings.

"The Petaluma Animal Control officers and the Petaluma Police Department ask if you observe the animal to please call 9-1-1," police said.

No further alerts were issued after the 6 a.m. sighting in Cotati.

In an encounter with a mountain lion, experts say to make yourself seem as large as possible. Make noise and act defiant but not afraid, and slowly create distance. If attacked, fight back. Protect your neck and throat. People have used rocks, jackets, garden tools, fanny packs and even bare hands to turn away mountain lions.