It looks as though the mountain lion witnessed by residents at Brigantino Park on Sunday has retreated back over the nearby hills.
That’s a relief for Mark Pulido. He leases land – for cattle grazing – neighboring the park on Hollister’s far west side.
Pulido arrived to the property, which neighbors the relatively new park on one side and hills to the south, shortly after Hollister police released a statement around 12:30 p.m. Sunday warning residents of the sighting.
Several of his cattle were resting under shade when he showed up. Pulido said he had heard about the mountain lion sighting when his wife saw the online police warning earlier Sunday afternoon. He was concerned because some of his cattle are small enough to tempt a mountain lion.
“I had her run out to check,” Pulido said, of his wife, shortly after 1 p.m.
By that time, there were no authorities on scene. Pulido said the property owner had informed him the lion made its way over those hills away from the city.
According to the Hollister police statement released at 12:40 p.m.:
“Brigantino Park is closed due to a mountain lion sighting by several people at the park. Hollister Police Officers were called to the park after several witnesses observed the mountain lion in the park. Hollister Police Departments Animal Care & Services Unit is on-scene at the park. Wildlife trappers have been called to trap the animal.
The public is asked to stay away from Brigantino Park until further notice.
The public is asked to call 911 if the mountain lion is sighted.”
Police sent the following update at 3:05 p.m.:
“Brigantino Park is still closed due to several mountain lion sightings today.
Hollister police officers were called to the park around noon today for reports of a mountain lion in the park. Officers observed the mountain lion in the park as they arrived. Hollister Police Departments Animal Care Services Unit responded shortly thereafter. As this is a wild animal, State Fish & Game have been called to assist in the investigation and possible trapping of the animal.
The mountain lion has not been seen since the initial reports and the park is closed until further notice.
**** The public is reminded – If the mountain lion is seen, residents / witnesses are asked to dial 911 and provide the current location of the animal ****
Brigantino Park is located in the 2000 Blk. of San Juan Hollister Road, just west of the City of Hollister.”
