A trail camera captured this image of a mountain lion in Panola County. The state Parks and Wildlife Department believes the cat is traveling alone and that a breeding population is unlikely.
Austin American-Statesman
Austin officials have not found evidence confirming a reported mountain lion encounter at Roy G. Guerrero Colorado River Metropolitan Park and do not plan to close the park or warn visitors based on the unverified sighting.
A Reddit user said they encountered the animal around 10:30 p.m. Monday near the Colorado River portion of the East Austin park. The user wrote that they initially believed the approaching animal was a deer before realizing it appeared to be a large feline.
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The animal remained about 10 to 15 feet away and stared at the person for several seconds, according to the post. The user said they slowly backed away while continuing to watch it. No photograph or video of the animal was included with the account.
Austin officials say the mountain lion report is unverified
Austin Parks and Recreation has not received other information confirming the sighting, and park employees have not located tracks, scat or other physical evidence, a department spokesperson said.
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The city is not considering any notices, closures or additional safety measures. Parks officials said reports of mountain lions occasionally surface in areas outside the city, but many cannot be verified or turn out to involve other animals.
“This sighting at Roy Guerrero Park could be real, but it is impossible to verify,” the spokesperson said.
The department said credible mountain lion sightings have been exceedingly rare in Travis County and surrounding counties during the past two decades. Because the animals are reclusive, travel across large territories and generally pass through the region rather than remain in one place, even confirmed animals are seldom spotted again.
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The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department previously investigated a report of two mountain lions being spotted in San Marcos.
U.S. Forest Service
Officials could reconsider notifying the public if several credible sightings were reported in the same location, the spokesperson said.
Austin park rangers also contacted the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department about the report. The state agency has confirmed two mountain lion sightings in the area, both in Williamson County, with the most recent documented in 2021.
Texas Parks and Wildlife requires photographic or video evidence, tracks, scat or cached prey before confirming a mountain lion report. The lack of documented sightings does not rule out the possibility that other animals have traveled through the region undetected, the agency said.
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Are mountain lions native to Texas?
Mountain lion populations in Texas are concentrated in the Trans-Pecos, the western Hill Country and portions of South Texas. Individual lions can travel long distances, however, and may occasionally appear in Central Texas or other parts of the state.
While an exact estimate of the mountain lion population in Texas is unavailable, it is believed to range from a few hundred to as many as 7,000.
Has anyone been attacked or killed by a mountain lion in Texas?
According to the Parks and Wildlife Department, there has never been a recorded death caused by a mountain lion in the state. However, an archived New York Times article reports that in 1911, before the wildlife department began tracking the species, a 3-year-old boy was mauled by a mountain lion inside his home.
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Mountain lions are described by the parks department as “relatively uncommon, secretive animals.” Over the past 70 years, only eight mountain lion attacks have been documented in Big Bend National Park. Six occurred on hiking trails, one at a visitor campsite and one near the Chisos Mountains Lodge.
What should you do if you see a mountain lion?
Texas Parks and Wildlife recommends facing the animal, remaining upright and backing away slowly. People should not approach the lion, run from it or turn their backs.
Adults should pick up small children and try to look larger without crouching or hiding. If the animal acts aggressively, officials recommend throwing rocks or sticks and fighting back if attacked.
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People can report sightings and supporting evidence to Texas Parks and Wildlife. Anyone in immediate danger should call 911.
— Brandi D. Addison contributed to this report.