Several mountain lions were sighted near Laguna Lake and in the Irish Hills Open Space, according to the City of San Luis Obispo.
City Biologist Freddy Otte reminded residents that San Luis Obispo is mountain lion country and that the hills are their natural habitat, according to the press release.
What should you do if you encounter a mountain lion?
- Remain calm
- Take precautions
- Report sightings immediately to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife
Several dog owners at Laguna Lake Park commented on the recent sightings. Many of them have seen mountain lions while in San Luis Obispo and have urged residents to keep their pets safe in the area.
Campbell Carabajal, a Cal Poly alum and San Luis Obispo resident of eight years, said she frequently sees coyotes, rattlesnakes and mountain lions in her neighborhood of Prefumo Canyon.
“We have a sweet neighbor who came door to door to inform us of the recent sightings,” Carabajal said.
Kristin Sullivan, a San Luis Obispo resident who owns two elderly small dogs, said she’s seen posts on the neighborhood watch app Nextdoor about recent mountain lion sightings.
“Mountain lions are shocking when you see them in real life, they’re really big and they’re quiet,” Sullivan said.
Sullivan urges residents not to take walks around dawn or dusk due to mountain lion activity around the Froom Ranch and Irish Hills areas.
Cal Poly alum Aaron Rittger heard about similar cases in Los Osos. He’s also run into coyotes, and looks out for rattlesnakes when keeping his dog safe.
“There were coyotes walking behind us once, they were really confident,” Rittger said.
“It’s their home,” Sullivan said. “Don’t mess with them, and don’t have an outdoor cat.”
Cal Poly alum Ralph Blinkwolt agreed with Sullivan, having heard about sightings in Morro Bay and Montaña de Oro.
“This is their habitat. We’re in their habitat,” Blinkwolt said.