(KRON) — There were several sightings of a mountain lion in Petaluma and Cotati early Thursday morning.
In Petaluma, a mountain lion was spotted in the parking lot of Kohl’s and Home 2 Suites Hotel on North McDowell Boulevard, according to the Petaluma Police Department.
According to reports, many people saw the mountain lion within a close distance as it traveled between the hotel and nearby stores around 12:15 a.m.
Animal control and PPD attempted to locate the mountain lion but were unsuccessful. A Nixle alert was sent out around the time of the sighting, police said.
Residents in Cotati also spotted a mountain lion Thursday morning along Myrtle Avenue, according to police. The police department sent out a Nixle alert around 6 a.m. informing residents the animal was traveling towards Rohnert Park’s L Section. Home security video at the top of this page shows the mountain lion walking in front of a Rohnert Park home.
The public is advised to be aware of their surroundings as it is possible that the mountain lion may return to the area. If you do spot the mountain lion, you are asked to call 911.
Last year, a Sonoma County resident experienced a terrifying moment when a mountain lion entered her home through a sliding glass door. The mountain lion attacked her border collie inside the home and dragged the dog outside by its neck.
The dog managed to survive and the mountain lion was later euthanized. Officials say the primary source for mountain lions in California is deer but the population is decreasing.
If you do encounter a mountain lion, here is what you are suggested to do:
- Make yourself appear as large as possible by raising your arms and opening your jacket.
- Make loud noises.
- Maintain eye contact.
- Slowly create distance and do not attempt to run.
- Fight back if you are attacked.
Bay City News contributed to this report.
