Mountain Lion Cub Rescued in Castaic, CA | NBC Los Angeles

Mountain Lion Sighting in Castaic Prompts Wildlife Alert

A young mountain lion was observed in the middle of a road in Castaic, California, early Wednesday morning, sparking a response from local authorities and wildlife officials. The sighting underscores the ongoing need for public awareness regarding encounters wiht these powerful predators.

The incident unfolded around 1 a.m. Wednesday near the intersection of Hillcrest Parkway and Olympic Street in northern Los Angeles County. According to reports, the cub appeared to be resting, and it was initially unclear whether it was injured. Notably, two other mountain lions were spotted in the same residential neighborhood, raising concerns about a potential family group.

California Highway Patrol officers maintained a presence at the scene until approximately 2:30 a.m., when the young mountain lion moved into a nearby backyard. Agents from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) were immediately contacted and are monitoring the situation.

Did you know? – Mountain lions, also known as pumas or cougars, are the largest wild cat in North America. They are highly adaptable and can live in a variety of habitats, from mountains to deserts.

Mountain Lion Population and Encounters in California

California is home to an estimated 4,000 to 6,000 mountain lions, though wildlife officials caution that this figure is a “crude estimate” due to the lack of a complete statewide study. More than 50% of the state provides suitable habitat for these animals, notably areas with abundant deer populations – their primary food source.

The CDFW receives hundreds of mountain lion sighting reports annually, but the vast majority do not indicate an immediate threat to public safety.Attacks on humans remain extremely rare, and mountain lions generally avoid human contact.

Pro tip – To reduce attracting mountain lions to your property, remove dense vegetation where they can hide and secure livestock or pets, especially at night.

What to Do During a Mountain Lion Encounter

The CDFW provides detailed guidance for individuals who encounter a mountain lion. These recommendations, crucial for ensuring personal safety, include:

• Do not hike, bike, or jog alone. Maintain situational awareness on trails.
• Avoid outdoor activities during dawn, dusk, and nighttime hours, when mountain lions are most active.
• Closely supervise small children.
• Keep dogs on a leash,as off-leash animals are more vulnerable to predation.
• never approach a mountain lion. Allow it an escape route.
• Do not run. Remain calm and face the animal. Running can trigger a chase response.
• Make noise and attempt to appear larger by waving your arms or opening your jacket. Throw rocks or other objects if available.
• Pick up small children to prevent them from running.
• Avoid crouching or bending over, as this posture can resemble prey.
• Speak calmly, avoiding high-pitched tones or screams.
• If attacked, fight back aggressively using any available tools – rocks, sticks, or even bare hands.
• immediately call 911 if a mountain lion attacks a person.
• Report any unusual mountain lion behavior to your local

  Why: A young mountain lion was spotted in a residential area of Castaic, California, prompting a wildlife alert.
  Who: The California highway Patrol and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) responded to the sighting. Residents of castaic are also affected.
  What: A young mountain lion cub was observed resting in the road,with two others spotted nearby,raising concerns about a family group.
  How did it end?: The cub moved into a backyard, and CDFW agents are monitoring the situation. No injuries to people or pets were reported.The situation is ongoing, with CDFW continuing to track the animals.