California

Mountain Lion Sighting Rattles Nerves in Contra Costa County

A Concord woman says she saw a mountain lion while on her daily hike.

Some East Bay residents are on edge after reports of a mountain lion spotted in Contra Costa County.

The mountain lion was spotted by Gloria Cabral, who said she could not believe her eyes when she saw the animal during her daily hike in the Concord Hills.

"It was very close to the houses," Cabral said. "There's a rock and he actually got on top of the rock for a while, sitting there and just looking around."

The animal on the prowl has also been spotted by other residents in the area.

"They are a very powerful animal, probably one of the greatest hunters that we know in the United States for sure," said Jane DeMay Andreotti of the Contra Costa Animal Services Department.

Animal experts said mountain lions are skittish and attacks are rare.

Since 2004, there have been six mountain lion attacks in California, Andreotti said. Five of the attacks were non-fatal, with the other attack resulting in a death, according to Andreotti.

Spotting mountain lions is also rare, animal experts said. But that is something Cabral is not taking for granted.

"And it was on my bucket list and so I am able to cross that off now," Cabral said. "As crazy as that sounds, I've always wanted to see a mountain lion and now I have."

Experts said if you see a mountain lion do not run, stand your ground, raise your arms to appear larger and make lots of noise.

Contact Us