Residents are advised to remain vigilant and avoid approaching the animal if spotted.
VACAVILLE, Calif. — A mountain lion was spotted going for a late-night stroll through downtown Vacaville on Aug. 17. A resident’s exterior camera captured the lion roaming near West Street and Ceron Street around 1:50 a.m.
The Vacaville Police Department issued the following public safety alert for anyone in the downtown Vacaville area:
- Residents are advised to remain vigilant and avoid approaching the animal if spotted
- Keep pets and children, indoors, and secure any food sources or garbage that may attract wildlife
- Avoid walking pets off-leash
If you see a mountain lion:
- Pick up small children without bending over
- Back away slowly, DO NOT RUN
- Make noise and give the animal an escape route
- Do not attempt to confront or capture the animal
“This is the first sighting of a mountain lion in our downtown area.," said Chris Lechuga, Vacaville Police Department Lieutenant.
Lechuga says the video is not to alarm people, but inform them so they can take safety precautions.
"As long as we stay responsible and realize, we are sharing this land with them that we can be safe," said Lt. Lechuga.
Vacaville police urge anyone who sees a mountain lion to contact them at 707–499–5200 and/or the Wildlife Management hotline at 916–358–2917 or wildlife.ca.gov.
***Mountain Lion Sighting***
***Downtown Vacaville***
The City of Vacaville is issuing a public safety alert, following a confirmed sighting of a mountain lion in downtown Vacaville. This alert is intended to be informative.
On August 17, 2024 at approximately 1:50 AM, a resident’s exterior camera captured a mountain lion roaming through the downtown area, specifically the area between West Street and Cernon Street near Main Street. The animal was seen briefly in a parking lot before wandering off camera view.
Although this incident was captured on video surveillance this past weekend, the resident did not notice the event until recently.
Please take a note of the following precautions should a member of the public come into contact with a mountain lion or other large wildlife:
Safety:
-Residents are advised to remain vigilant and avoid approaching the animal if spotted
-Keep pets and children, indoors and secure any food sources or garbage that may attract wildlife
-Avoid walking with pets off leash
If you see a mountain lion:
-Pick up small children without bending over
-Back away slowly, DO NOT RUN
-Make noise and give the animal an escape route
-Do not attempt to confront or capture the animal
Report sightings:
-Anyone who sees a mountain lion is urged to immediately contact the Vacaville Police Department at 707–499–5200 and/or the Wildlife Management hotline at 916–358–2917 or wildlife.ca.gov.
Media inquiries, please contact:
Lieutenant Chris Lechuga
Public Information Officer
Vacaville Police Department
Phone: 707-449-5269
Email: Chris.lechuga@cityofvacaville.com
Posted by Vacaville Police Department on Friday, August 23, 2024
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