This is the moment two pumas prowl a city neighborhood in California after being spotted at least twice in the same week.
The pumas have been seen on multiple occasions near Kingridge Drive, in the city of San Mateo, in the US state of California, in the last week.
The San Mateo Police Department (SMPD) said in a statement on April 8, updated on April 11: “Additional video provided by a resident on Kingridge Dr. showed that early this morning (before 6:30am), a pair of mountain lions revisited this area. They were simply out for a walk, but please be aware of the safety tips provided below.
“During the last week, while reviewing video surveillance of her property, a community member observed a mountain lion near property located on Kingridge Drive on two separate occasions.
“SMPD checked the area and did not observe any mountain lions, but confirmed the two sightings after reviewing video surveillance footage.
The SMPD added: “This alert is for information only and has been issued only as a precaution to our community.”
The statement continued: “The San Mateo Police Department would like to remind you of a few simple tips to protect you and your loved ones from mountain lions.
“Although it would be rare for a mountain lion to approach humans, you should follow a few simple rules to keep you and your family safe:
“Do not feed deer. It is illegal in California and it will attract mountain lions.
“Do not approach a mountain lion if seen, especially one that is feeding or with offspring. Most mountain lions will try to avoid confrontation.
“Avoid hiking or jogging through wooded areas when mountain lions are most active – dawn, dusk, or at night.
“Keep a close watch on small children when hiking or traveling in or about wooded areas.
“Do not run if you encounter a mountain lion. Instead, face the animal, make noise and try to look bigger by waving your arms; throw rocks or other objects; pick up small children.
“For more information on mountain lions please visit the California Department of Fish & Wildlife website.”
Pumas are a large cat native to the Americas with many different names, including mountain lion, cougar, and panther.
It is categorized as a least-concern species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, meaning it is still plentiful in the wild.
