Mountain lion sighting in Oakdale prompts safety reminders
A mountain lion was spotted on a Ring camera in Oakdale early Monday morning, leading officials and experts to provide safety tips for residents
OAKDALE, Calif. —
A mountain lion was captured on a Ring camera near Maag Avenue and East D Street in Oakdale around 1 a.m. Monday.
Neighbors said they had not seen the mountain lion but noticed unusual behavior in their pets.
“My cat started acting a little different this morning after I opened up some windows, so I don’t know if she picked up a scent, but she went in her safe zone under the bed and stayed there for a while,” said Debbie Mayberry, an Oakdale resident who has lived in the neighborhood for 16 years.
Mayberry said mountain lions occasionally pass through the area due to its proximity to the river.
“I know they travel along the river,” Mayberry said.
Police said they do not believe the mountain lion showed signs of illness, injury, or abnormal behavior.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife said mountain lions are uncommon in the area but emphasized there is no reason for concern.
“This mountain lion is most likely already found its way back to the wild, which is where we want mountain lions to be. We coexist with them; they live here too,” said Krysten Kellum of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Experts recommend keeping pets inside at night, walking pets on a leash, supervising children outdoors, and avoiding feeding or approaching mountain lions.
The Oakdale Police Department said the sighting is not cause for immediate concern but encouraged residents to use caution if they encounter a mountain lion.
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