16 Sep Mountain Lion Recently Reported in Antioch Near Blue Curl Court and Bluebell Circle

This mountain lion was seen in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area in Nevada. Another such big cat may have been spotted in Antioch recently. (Photo courtesy of National Park Service via Bay City News)

By Tony Hicks
Bay City News

Antioch Animal Services said Thursday someone recently reported a possible mountain lion sighting.

The animal was spotted near Blue Curl Court and Bluebell Circle area.

AAS said there have been other mountain lion sightings over the years “without incident” in the areas of Harbor Park, Sutter Delta Hospital on Lone Tree Way and “most often” around the water tower in the vicinity of Danridge Court off Lone Tree Way, near the De Anza Trail.

“It may come as a surprise to many newer Antioch residents and some of our longtime residents that we have mountain lions (or a mountain lion) in the area, but with easy access to Black Diamond Mines and Contra Loma Regional Parks via the many wonderful trails, PG&E easements and lots of expanses of open space that are dotted between the residential areas, traversing the City of Antioch is a breeze for our big cats, coyotes and more,” AAS said on social media.

AAS said people should be mindful if walking at dusk in the Hillcrest Park area or if they keep pets in their yards.

“Human encounters with mountain lions are rare and the risk of an attack is infinitely small,” AAS said. “You are more likely to drown in your bathtub, be killed by a pet dog, or hit by lightning. If lions had any natural urge to hunt people, there would be attacks every single day. Instead, they try to avoid us.”

Mountain lions are most active between dusk and dawn, when people should avoid walking dogs or alone. AAS said ever approach a mountain lion and, if encountering one, stop and don’t run. Maintain eye contact, stand tall, look bigger by opening your coat or raising your arms. Throw items at the cat, if necessary. And give the animal room to move away.

For more information, go to https://www.mountainlion.org/FAQfrequentlyaskedquestions.php or https://www.mountainlion.org/portalprotect.php.

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