A mountain lion’s presence on Vista Park Hill has been confirmed
by the California Department of Fish and Game, a city official said
this morning.
A mountain lion’s presence on Vista Park Hill has been confirmed by the California Department of Fish and Game, a city official said this morning.
Bill Avera, director of development services for the Hollister Redevelopment Agency, said Code Enforcement Officer Mike Chambless had noticed paw prints and alerted the state department.
Avera said it makes sense that a mountain lion would come to Vista Park Hill, bound by agricultural land to the north. He said feral cats, skunks and opossums could have attracted a mountain lion.
“It’s a pretty good source of food,” Avera said of the park.
A game warden was out at the park this morning.
The city and the state department will tell employees and residents on the hill about potential dangers, Avera said.
Cougar safety tips
Don’t feed wildlife
Keep pets secure
Confine and secure livestock
Supervise children, especially between dusk and dawn
Always hike with a companion
Never bend over or crouch, resembling four-legged prey
Make yourself appear as large as possible and more aggressive
Source: Mountain Lion Foundation
