After a mountain lion was spotted in the area behind 1075 Main St. on Wednesday morning, the Watsonville Police Department is asking residents to stay alert while walking in open and rural areas.
At about 11 a.m., department officials wrote in a Facebook post that the mountain lion was seen near Ramsay Park heading toward Harkins Slough Road. Officials informed animal control and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
“While there are currently no photos or videos of the sighting, we’re sharing this information to remind residents to always remain alert, especially when walking in open or rural areas,” they wrote.
The police department had several specific pieces of advice:
• Bring pets indoors, especially at night.
• Keep a close eye on young children when outside.
• Never approach a mountain lion. Call 911 immediately upon seeing a puma.
If you encounter a mountain lion, police say:
• Do not run.
• Do not stare into its eyes.
• Spread your arms wide to appear bigger to the lion.
• Make loud noises.
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